Young gay and bisexual males have disproportionately high rates of HIV, syphilis, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

One reason why some LGBTQ+ young people are at greater risk of STDs has to do with emotional and mental health issues resulting from social stigma, research suggests.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are more than twice as likely to report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness than heterosexual youth, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Transgender youth are twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression and to seriously consider suicide or attempt suicide than cisgender young people.

In fact, a whopping 45 percent of young LGBTQ+ people seriously considered suicide in 2021, according to the Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health.

The survey of nearly 34,000 LGBTQ+ young people ages 13 to 24 across the United States also found that 73 percent reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety, and 58 percent reported experiencing symptoms of depression.

The fact that some LGBTQ+ youth are at increased risk for both STDs and mental health issues is not a coincidence, research suggests. According to the CDC's 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) of high school students across the country, young people who have mental health problems, engage in health risk behaviors, or experience violence are more likely to be at risk for HIV, STDs, and unintended pregnancy, among other health problems.

Not only are young LGBTQ+ students much more likely to be bullied and to experience mental health issues such as feeling sad or hopeless, seriously considering suicide, and attempting suicide, they are also more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors such has having four or more sexual partners and not using condoms, per the CDC survey. They are also more likely to have been tested for HIV and other STDs.

How Stigma Affects LGBTQ+ Mental Health

The stress of being stigmatized and discriminated against in their communities can affect both the physical health and emotional well-being of LGBTQ+ youth, the CDC survey reports. According to the 2019 YRBS, lesbian, gay, or bisexual students and students not sure of their sexual identity were more likely to use certain illicit drugs; misuse prescription opioids; be threatened, injured with a weapon, bullied, or electronically bullied at school; experience physical or sexual violence on dates or be forced to have sex than their heterosexual peers.

Many of these negative experiences can lead adolescents to risky sexual behavior and increase their risk of STDs and HIV, the survey notes.

Stigma can also lead to mental health disparities. According to minority stress theory, sexual minorities experience chronic stressors related to their stigmatized identities, including victimization, prejudice, discrimination, and homophobia. These stressors, which tend to originate in adolescence, can lead to compromised mental health and well-being, which in turn can lead to behavioral health disparities.

The Importance of Acceptance and Support

Stress levels for LGBTQ+ youth, as for all youth, depend on how much support and acceptance they experience in everyday settings (home, school, community) as opposed to hurt and rejection. For a queer young person to speak frankly about gender identity and sexual activities with a healthcare provider, or anyone really, can feel stressful and risky.

Conversely, acceptance fosters health. Studies show that youth who live in communities that are generally supportive of LGBTQ+ rights are less likely to attempt suicide.

Holistic, Quality Programs Can Help

Quality programs for LGBTQ+ youth closely address their social and emotional issues. Some notable programs include the following:

The Trevor Project The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people.

The It Gets Better Project The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization that aims to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the world.

GLSEN GLSEN’s mission is to ensure that every member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. GLSEN also supports powerful student-led initiatives, including the Day of Silence and Ally Week.

Get Involved to End Stigma and Discrimination

Everyone can help end the stigma that can damage the health of LGBTQ+ youth. Here are some ways you can serve as an ally:

Speak out against any harassment or bullying of LGBTQ+ people you encounter.
Learn about LGBTQ+ issues. Talk about them.
Wear or display LGBTQ+-friendly buttons, clothes, and posters.
Stand by anyone who comes out.
Start a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) at your school or your child’s school, if the school doesn’t have one yet. Research shows that GSAs have a positive effect on students’ health and wellness, and can also protect students from harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

For young people, health and happiness blossom in communities built on kindness and respect for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Each of us can make a difference.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

Health Considerations for LGBTQ Youth. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. December 20, 2019.
LGBTQI. National Alliance on Mental Illness Description.
2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health. The Trevor Project.
Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report 2009–2019. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Russell ST, Fish JN. Mental Health in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Youth. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology. March 28, 2016.

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