Social Alienation in Gay Youth

Abstract

Abstract The focus of this article is twofold; first, to review known risk factors for gay youth including: substance abuse, depression, suicide, and HIV risks, secondly, to determine the impact of social support factors; specifically parental, peer and religious support factors for this population. Evidence suggests that gay and lesbian youth are at high risk for isolation and subsequent psychological damage that results from social alienation. Insight into the problems faced by gay youth, along with some helpful intervention strategies for professionals working with a gay adolescent population is discussed.