The American Academy of Pediatrics issued its last statement on homosexuality and
adolescents in 2004. This technical report reflects the rapidly expanding medical
and psychosocial literature about sexual minority youth. Pediatricians should be aware
that some youth in their care may have concerns or questions about their sexual orientation
or that of siblings, friends, parents, relatives, or others and should provide factual,
current, nonjudgmental information in a confidential manner. Although most lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning(LGBTQ) youth are quite resilient and emerge
from adolescence as healthy adults, the effects of homophobia and heterosexism can
contribute to increased mental health issues for sexual minority youth. LGBTQ and
MSM/WSW (men having sex with men and women having sex with women) adolescents, in
comparison with heterosexual adolescents,have higher rates of depression and suicidal
ideation, high errates of substance abuse, and more risky sexual behaviors. Obtaining
a comprehensive, confidential, developmentally appropriate adolescent psychosocial
history allows for the discovery of strengths and assets as well as risks. Pediatricians
should have offices that are teen-friendly and welcoming to sexual minority youth.
This includes having supportive, engaging office staff members who ensure that there
are no barriers to care. For transgender youth, pediatricians should provide the opportunity
to acknowledge and affirm their feelings of gender dysphoria and desires to transition
to the opposite gender. Referral of transgender youth to a qualified mental health
professional is critical to assist with the dysphoria, to educate them,and to assess
their readiness for transition. With appropriate assistance and care, sexual minority
youth should live healthy, productive lives while transitioning through adolescence
and young adulthood.