Incidence and mental health impact of sexual orientation victimization of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths in high school.

Abstract

This study examined victimization during high school based on sexual orientation of 350 lesbian, gay, or bisexual (lgb) youths aged 21 and younger. Experiences of direct victimization as well as knowledge of other lgb youths’ victimization were assessed. Over half reported verbal abuse in high school because of their sexual orientation, and 11% said they had been physically assaulted. Youths who were more open in high school about their sexual orientation and who had a history of more gender atypical behavior were victimized more often. Male youths were targeted significantly more often than females. Youths’ current mental health symptoms, especially traumatic stress reactions, were associated with having experienced more verbal abuse in high school.