Sexual Minorities and Suicide Risk: Findings from the Social Sciences and Future Directions.
The result of a collaboration between statisticians, epidemiologists, and sociologists, this book provides an overview of more than a decade of research and studies, both globally and in France, on suicide risk among young people from sexual minorities and those questioning their sexual or gender identity. It teaches us (or reminds us) that self-assertion, never easy during adolescence, can take on a more “dramatic” dimension for these young people due to the cultural stigma they may face: withdrawal, fear of hostility from those around them, and isolation can lead to behavioral disorders and put them at social and health risk. It refines our understanding of risk factors by highlighting the burden of suspicion of gender non-conformity (which can affect any young person, regardless of their actual sexual orientation). It highlights the distinct nature of each form of discrimination (homophobia, lesbophobia, etc.), while emphasizing their connection to another fundamental form of discrimination: sexism. It confirms and clarifies the findings of the 2008 "Youth Health" by the Ministry of Health and Sports, which, with the support of INPES, developed a health prevention and education strategy aimed at fostering dialogue around the discovery of sexuality and homosexuality among young people, in order to break down taboos and strengthen acceptance of all orientations and all identities. Finally, in its last section, this book offers additional avenues for work and reflection: expanding promising local prevention initiatives; raising awareness among various professionals who work with young people (whether in education, health, social services, the legal system, etc.); and improving how surveys account for the specific nature of each form of discrimination to continue expanding our knowledge and refining our strategies and tools.
Author(s): Beck François, Firdion Jean-Marie, Legleye Stéphane, Schiltz Marie-Ange
Publishing year: 2010
Pages: 110p.
Collection: Health in Action
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