ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH

Transitions
Volume 15, No. 3, January 2004

This Transitions is also available in [PDF] format.

Meeting the Special Needs of GLBTQ Youth of Color

By Kayla Jackson, MPA, Program Director, National Network for Youth*

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ) youth of color face stigma related to both ethnicity and sexual orientation. Some also face bigotry related to their gender identity. Surviving racial/ethnic discrimination requires strong connections to family and ethnic community. However, GLBTQ youth of color seldom receive support regarding sexual orientation or transgender identity. Indeed, many ethnic communities perceive gay, lesbian, or bisexual orientation and/or transgender identity as a rejection of ethnic heritage. Unlike racial/ethnic stereotypes that family and community reframe to support young people's healthy development, many ethnic minority communities strongly reinforce negative cultural perceptions of homosexual orientation.¹ This stigma can put these young people at great risk for substance use, violence, and risky sexual behaviors.

African American and Latino young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are more likely than other YMSM to be infected with HIV.² Young lesbians of color, particularly African Americans and Latinas, are at risk for HIV infection and pregnancy due, in part, to the strong value placed on motherhood and childbearing in their ethnic communities.³ Young GLBTQ American Indians are often at increased risk for substance abuse, mental illness, and HIV infection.⁴ The needs of Asian and Pacific Islander GLBTQ youth are likely to be overlooked due to the 'model minority' stereotype, language barriers, and underreporting of AIDS cases.⁵ Most social science models of homosexual identity development are based on the experiences of white, middle- and upper-middle class lesbians and gays.¹ Yet youth of color seldom self-identify as 'gay' or 'queer,' and this may constitute a barrier to their receiving services set up for gay youth. To effectively meet the needs of GLBTQ youth of color, programs must integrate awareness of racism with an understanding of how culture shapes sexual attitudes, values, and beliefs.

Good programs targeting youth of color already fully integrate the ethnic culture(s) of the target youth into their activities, language, and materials. They already acknowledge and incorporate culturally specific values, attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge about health, sexuality, and relationships. But these programs may not yet acknowledge the presence and needs of GLBTQ youth among those they serve. Programs are most likely to be effective in also meeting the needs of these youth of color when:

• Staff assesses his/her own values and beliefs regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. Taking stock will help staff to address internal biases, recognize personal limits, identify areas for growth, and enable programs to service GLBTQ youth of color in an open, honest, respectful manner.
• Create a safe environment. Make it clear that homophobic sentiments and actions have no place in a program. Develop a "zero tolerance" policy regarding discriminatory words and behaviors directed at GLBTQ youth. Ask GLBTQ youth and adults to share some of their experiences. Create safe opportunities for youth to talk openly about racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression.
• Consider the social and cultural factors that influence behavior, and acknowledge culturally specific values, attitudes, and beliefs.⁶ At the same time, acknowledge when culture and sexual orientation cause conflicts for GLBTQ youth.
• Involve GLBTQ youth in all aspects of the program's operation.
• Use language that is inclusive with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Build skills. Include opportunities within the program for all youth to build interpersonal skills, especially in conflict resolution, communication, and negotiation. Offer activities and opportunities that are gender and sexual orientation inclusive.
• Don't make assumptions. Ask young people how they self-identify and use these terms.
• Provide peer-to-peer support to change peer norms, and ensure that peer leaders include young people who identify as GLBTQ. All youth benefit by developing leadership, communication, and other pro-social skills and by seeing role models with whom they can identify.
• Focus on the assets of each youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and address the needs of the whole person.

Programs that serve youth of color can also serve GLBTQ youth of color through sensitivity, caring, and acceptance. A supportive environment within effective programs can go along way towards reducing the morbidity suffered by many GLBTQ youth of color.

Resources

• GLBTQ Transitions. Advocates for Youth, 2002.
• I Think I Might Be Bisexual, Now What Do I Do? [Teen Pamphlet]
• I Think I Might Be Gay, Now What Do I Do? [Teen Pamphlet]
• I Think I Might Be Lesbian, Now What Do I Do? [Teen Pamphlet]
• I Think I Might Be Transgender, Now What Do I Do? [Teen Pamphlet]
• Young Women Who Have Sex with Women: Falling Through Cracks for Sexual Health Care [Issues at a Glance]
• GLBTQ Youth [The Facts]
• Young Men Who Have Sex with Men [The Facts]
• Cyber Cafes: Improving Access to Information for Youth in High Risk Situations [Issues at a Glance]
• Young Men Who Have Sex with Men [Issues at a Glance]
• Information and resources: publications available online at http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/glbtq.htm
• Supportive communities and referral available online at http://www.youthresource.com/.

References

1. Ryan C and Futterman D. Social developmental challenges for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth SIECUS Report 2001; 29(4).
2. Valleroy LA et al. HIV prevalence and associated risks in young men who have sex with men. JAMA 2000; 284:198-204.
3. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Young People at Risk: HIV/AIDS Among America's Youth. Atlanta, GA: The Centers, (2000).
4. Pagliaro S, Gipson M. Effective HIV/STD and Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs for Young Women of Color. Washington, DC: Advocates for Youth, 2000.
5. Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California at San Francisco. What are Asian and Pacific Islander HIV Prevention Needs? San Francisco: The Center, 1998.
6. Ryan C, Futterman D. Lesbian and Gay Youth: Care and Counseling. [Adolescent Medicine State-of-the-Art Review; v. 8, no. 2] Philadelphia: Hanley & Belfus, 1997.

* This article originally appeared in Transitions, vol.14, number 4, June 2002, © Advocates for Youth. At the time, Kayla was the Director of HIV/STD Prevention Programs at Advocates for Youth.

Transitions (ISSN 1097-1254) © 2004, is a quarterly publication of Advocates for Youth—Helping young people make safe and responsible decisions about sex. For permission to reprint, contact Transitions' editor at 202.419.3420.

Editor: Sue Alford

Click here to view the Publications Catalog and/or to order this publication.