Each week HuffPost Queer Voices, in a partnership with blogger Scout, LGBT HealthLink and researcher Corey Prachniak, brings you a round up of some of the biggest LGBT wellness stories from the past seven days. For more LGBT Wellness, visit our page dedicated to the topic here.
When Do Teachers Support LGBT Students?
A study found that teachers more frequently support and have better attitudes about LGBT students if they work at schools with gay-straight alliances and better LGBT-related professional development. Researchers noted the critical role that supportive teachers can play in improving LGBT student wellbeing and mental health.
Male Trans Youth at Higher Risk of Suicide
A new clinical study of trans patients found that young trans men were three times more likely than young trans women to have attempted suicide, and were also more likely to have engaged in self-harm and to feel unsafe at home. Additionally, trans youth who were unhappy with their weight were twice as likely to have attempted suicide as those who were not. In all, three in ten trans youth had attempted suicide.
Graphics Illustrate Profound LGB Youth Disparities
These charts are another result of the big new CDC report on LGB youth we reported on last week. They paint a brutal picture. As compared to heterosexual youth, LGB youth are: >3 times more likely to have been forced into intercourse; >2 times more likely to have experienced dating violence; >4 times more likely to have tried heroin; >2 times more likely to have used ecstasy; and >4 times more likely to have attempted suicide.
U.K. Activists Fight for Trans Fitness
The Independent reports on how trans activists in the U.K. have worked to organize fitness groups and gain access to athletic facilities like swimming pools, with the goal of creating a healthy alternative to the usual (and alcohol- and smoke-filled) social spaces of bars and clubs.
These Queer Emoji Say “No Way” to Smoking
Smile! This Free Life ― the largest LGBT health campaign in U.S. history ― has a sweet new package of queer emojis for anyone who can pass a short quiz on LGBT tobacco disparities. You can study up at the very queer anti-tobacco homepage the government recently rolled out.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.