Researchers looking at the experiences of LGBTQ people have identified that they are at significantly higher risk for a number of negative life experiences than heterosexual people.

These experiences are not the result of being LGBTQ but are, instead, the result of living in a community that does not reflect and value LGBTQ people.

These negative life experiences include:

• the threat of, or actual, violence from strangers, peers, and even family;
• barriers in education and employment;
• heightened risk of homelessness and street involvement;
• substance misuse;
• contracting HIV/AIDS;
• developing mental health concerns;
• attempting and successfully completing suicide.

Banks, Christopher. (2003). The Cost of Homophobia: Literature Review on the Human Impact of Homophobia in Canada. [Saskatoon, SK: Gay and Lesbian Health Services.]

Harris Interactive and GLSEN (2005). From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America, A Survey of Students and Teachers. [New York: GLSEN.]

Mallon, G.P. (1994). Counselling Strategies for Gay and Lesbian Youth in Helping Gay and Lesbian Youth: New Policies, New Programs, New Practice. Decrescenzo, T. (Ed). Haworth Press. 75 – 91.

Patton, C. (2005). Anti-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Violence in 2004: A Report of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs. [National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs. New York, NY.]

Sullivan, C., Sommer, S., and Moff, J. (2001). Youth in the Margins: A Report on the Unmet Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adolescents in Foster Care. [New York: Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund.]

Connoley, R. (2005) Statistics of GLB Homelessness. The Safe Schools Coalition [Online] Available: www.safeschoolscoalition.org/RG-homeless.html