LGB Youth: Policies and Impact
In a recent study led by University of Delaware assistant professor Eric K. Layland, evidence supporting the positive impact of national policies protecting the human rights of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals on personal development has been underlined. The research affirms what researchers and advocates have long believed: protective policies play a vital role in shaping the lives of LGB youth.
The study focused on the critical developmental period of adolescence when many LGB individuals navigate their identity and social milestones. Layland emphasized that protective policies can significantly affect LGB health, fostering an environment where young LGB people feel more comfortable openly expressing their identities and spend less time in isolation.
To conduct this study, Layland and his co-authors utilized data gathered by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Human Rights. The information encompassed age, gender identity, sexual identity, and relevant developmental milestones of LGB participants. The data were sourced from the European Union Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (EU-LGBTI) Survey II, conducted online between May and July 2019.
The comprehensive survey aimed to monitor fundamental rights affecting the LGBTQ+ community across European Union member states. Developed by a cross-European team of LGBTI topic experts and translated into 31 languages, the survey received responses from 137,508 participants across the 28 EU countries, spanning from adolescents to older adults.
This research further emphasizes the importance of advocating for policies that protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, especially during the formative years of adolescence. Creating an inclusive and accepting environment not only promotes better individual development but also contributes to a healthier and happier society for all.
For more information and insights into LGBTQ+ issues, stay connected with our platform as we continue to bring you the latest updates and studies shaping the lives of the LGBTQ+ community. Together, we can build a world that celebrates diversity and equality.
Sources:
- University of Delaware. (2023). Structural discrimination negatively impacts LGB youth and adults. Lab Manager.
- University of Delaware. (2023, September 13). Research empirically shows structural discrimination negatively impacts LGB youth and adults. Medical Xpress. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- Image Credit: Filippobacci