The Blame “Homophobia” Myth
There are those who argue that because teenagers with SSA are more likely than other teenagers to have suicidal ideation and attempts, schools must promote pro-GLBTQ educational programs to eliminate “homophobia” (negative portrayals of or attitudes toward SSA.) However, the very real problems of youth with SSA have are not caused by homophophia.
Youth with SSA attraction or behavior are at risk to a host of negative outcomes because:
1) They suffer from untreated psychological problems, including attachment disorders, gender identity disorder,[1] and depression.
2) They are more likely to use alcohol and drugs and to do so at a younger age.[2]
3) They are more likely to have been victims of childhood sexual abuse. [3]
4) They are more likely to be sexually active at an earlier age and to suffer emotional devastation when the relationships break up.
5) The boys with SSA are more likely to engage in prostitution.[4]
6) Boys engaging in SSA are more likely to contract a sexually transmitted disease, including HIV/AIDS.
Eliminating “homophobia” will not change any of these factors. A more “accepting” atmosphere will exacerbate the problem and prevent these young people from getting therapy for their very real problems. In addition for many, SSA will resolve itself naturally.
An adolescent with a history of depression, attachment disorders, childhood sexual abuse, early sexual debut, alcohol and drug use is at risk for suicidal ideation whether they have SSA or not.
Those who think that acceptance and education can eliminate negative outcomes for youth with SSA should look at the CDC figures on infections with HIV and other STDS among young men who have sex with men. According to the CDC, “More than 30 years into the HIV epidemic, about 50,000 people in this country still become infected each year. Not only do men who have sex with men continue to account for most new infections, young gay and bisexual men are the only group in which infections are increasing.[5]
If we really care about youth with SSA, we would be doing everything we could to prevent SSA in the first place.
[1] Susan Bradley, Affect Regulation and the Development of Psychopathology,Guilford Press: NY, 2003) p. 201.
[2] R. Garofalo et al., he association between health risk behavior and sexual orientation among a school based sample of adolescents ´I Pediatrics (1998) 101 (5): 895-908
[3] E. Olshen et al, “Dating violence, sexual assault and suicide attempts among urban teenagers,” Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine (2007) 161: 539-541
[4] G. Remafedi, et al., “Adolescent Homosexuality,” Pediatrics (1987) 79 (3): 331-337
daleoleary 
Great article. I would only add that SSA carries with it guilt, because homosexuality causes hatred of oneself and one’s lifestyle- every human being is able to know that he/she is not made for deviant sexual behaviour because we have a conscience given to us by God that reminds us of that daily. Therefore,as the bible says, their own consciences accuse them daily and they get no respite until they repent of their sins. Lgbtq people blame others for feeling terrible when it is their own consciences that are accusing them. Their sin and guilt is compounded by their dishonesty about the cause of their affliction.
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