Suicides among LGBTQ* Youth

In my blog post I am going to examine the recent increased media attention around the suicides in the LGBTQ* community. “As late as the 1970’s the psychiatric profession regarded homosexuality as an illness” (Harrison, 2003, p. 107). Startling as it may be, in the year 2010, we still have adolescent suicides occurring regardless of the advancements, awareness, and programs in place to support those in need and to educate uninformed people. Furthermore, suicides are occurring at an alarming rate. As discussed in our Social Welfare Policy course, in terms of Human Rights Legislation, in 1996 Canada recognized sexual orientation in the Canadian Charter (Straka, October 20, 2010). This advancement by the government will hopefully influence views at the personal level. Throughout high school, many LGBTQ* youth suffer under the domain of their ever-present overseer…the bully. Negative behaviour and bullying have caused psychological trauma that leaves these young adults with a sense of hopelessness. Still, the LGBTQ* community is oppressed in our society.  Recently the media has excessively reported the events that took place in New Brunswick, NJ, where a 18 year old male named, Tyler Clementi, took his own life after a video exposed him being intimate with a man was posted online (CBSNewsOnline, 2010). Many talk shows also covered this occurrence, as did several hourly news shows. In time, this story disappeared, and more sensational news took its place. But, where does this leave these LGBTQ* adolescents?

In my opinion the adolescent age is a vulnerable time, full of conflicting feelings, uncertainty, and experimentation. Hormonal changes intensely influence these feelings. Experiencing an identity crisis or having to share an issue such as LGBTQ* leave many with confusion and self-doubt. Many fear rejection and judgment from their peers. It doesn’t help that LGBTQ* youth are labelled and overlooked as people; they become their sexual identity. At a time when the youth are trying to fit in and conform to peer expectations, many LGBTQ* feel they have no options and turn to suicide. The tragic suicide of the NJ youth was actually classified a “hate crime” (CBSNewsOnline, 2010).

SUPPORTING AUTHORITY REFERENCES & STATISTICS

“The gendered nature of suicidal behaviour is well documented, with men more likely than women to kill themselves and women more likely to self-harm” (Smalley, N., Scourfield, J., & Greenland, K., 2005, p. 133).

“Lesbian, gay and bisexual young people in general are more vulnerable to suicide, and young men especially. This is clearly a gender issue insofar as the pressure relates to the constraints of traditional gender roles and compulsory heterosexuality Boergers et al.’s (1998) study of adolescents who had attempted suicide suggests that half of the sample had wished to die, escape, or obtain relief from their emotional distress” (Smalley, N., Scourfield, J., & Greenland, K., 2005, p. 149).

“Coming out is associated with an increased risk of suicide. For both those who come out at an early age and those who do not come out at all, high levels of isolation are experienced. For example, a young person who is out is at risk of harassment or assault and so may experience psychological isolation. Also, a young person who is not ‘out’ may experience isolation associated with being unable to share their identity with those around them” (Smalley, N., Scourfield, J., & Greenland, K., 2005, p. 144).

“Distressed individuals may try to keep their sexual identities a secret because society encourages heterosexuality. They also may feel guilt and shame, and denial may become a powerful coping mechanism” (Harrison, 2003, p. 107).  

“The decision to hide or disclose homosexuality creates multiple concerns for developing adolescents, including placing them at risk for social stigmatization, isolation, depression, suicide, abuse, and rejection by their families” (Harrison, 2003, p. 112).

“54% of suicide attempts occurred before parents knew of the youths’ sexual orientation” (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2003).

“Youth who were gay, lesbian, bisexual, or unsure of their sexual orientation were 3.4 times more likely to report a suicide attempt in the previous 12-month period” (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2003).

“Gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) youth are at an increased risk for suicide” (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2003).

“Nine out of ten gay, lesbian, and bisexual students are bullied in school. And they are four times more likely than straight kids to attempt suicide” (CBSNewsOnline, 2010).

After reviewing the consequences of bullying, it is evident that LGBTQ* youth have an increased risk of psychological problems, including suicide. I am going to view this social issue from the perspective of technology, which intensifies the effects of oppression. According to the YouTube video, live images were posted online of the victim being intimate with a man. This coupled with posting on social networks strengthen the negative influences affecting LGBTQ*. The entire situation that led to the tragic death of a young man revolved around poor decisions, the internet, and public outings. The roommate revealed the identity of the victim on a social network and then the victim attempted to cope through the same outlet; an online gay community message board. Sadly, the unfortunate “last words” of Tyler Clementi, were typed on Facebook and not spoken. Even now, a memorial for the victim is available on Facebook, the same social network that held his suicide note (CBSNewsOnline, 2010). Unfortunately the internet has allowed bullying and harassment to swell into a global problem and the penalties in having such a popular system has increased cases of cyber bullying and public humiliation.

            In high school, my best friend revealed to me he was gay. I was the first person he told and he was virtually the first person to be openly gay within our community. I was certainly open minded and receptive to his secret. I had actually suspected for many years and I was enthusiastic about offering my emotional support with his unfamiliar transition. Our peers however, were intolerable stemming from their uneducated way of thinking regarding sexuality issues. He was treated inhuman and was taunted every minute of high school. At one point, it went beyond emotional abuse and actually became physical because our male peers feared attempted sexual advancements. My friend revealing his sexuality was essentially the gateway to many males and females exposing their sexuality within our small town. Luckily he had a strong enough sense of identity and was able to endure and triumph over the bullying.  He did not turn to suicide as some feel they must.

            In conclusion, the recent media attention of suicides among adolescents has amplified the attention level to this heterosexism and the prevalence of this social issue. There still needs to be continuous attention through the government and media to encourage acceptance. Advancements around gay marriage, gay spouse benefits, and adoption by gay couples are improving, but improvement is not enough, a breakthrough has to happen. As per the YouTube video posted by CBS News, as a result of the Tyler Clementi story, 2 people are being charged with invasion of privacy. Prosecution needs to be followed through to send the message that harassment is not acceptable and people need to be held accountable. Even after Rutgers University kicked off a civility campaign, with respect to encouraging kids to use technology the right way, tragedies like this case still happen. (CBSNewsOnline, 2010). Tyler Clementi was exposed publically and he ended it publically.

-Darcie B.

 

Canadian Mental Health Association. (December 2003). Suicide among gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered youth. The Center for Suicide Prevention.

CBSNewsOnline. (2010, September 30). Rutgers suicide after gay tryst webcast [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sLDyq0VAPc

Harrison, T. W. (2003). Adolescent homosexuality and concerns regarding disclosure. Journal of School Health, 73(3), 107-112.

Smalley N., Scourfield J., & Greenland K. (2005). Young people, gender and suicide. Journal of Social Work, 5(2), 133-154.

Straka, S. (2010, October 20). Queer theory: Concepts and definitions (PowerPoint slides). University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba.