Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Adolescents: Understanding and Support
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Abstract
This article describes the current situation experienced by LGBTQ adolescents and the difficulties they face as they develop their sexual orientation. It also provides guidelines for family and school members to support them during this time.
The authors have synthesized research from Thailand and other countries to illustrate the experiences of LGBTQ adolescents. While many societies, particularly those in economically developed countries, have accepted sexual diversity, and passed laws to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community, many LGBTQ adolescents experience discrimination and are not accepted by their families and others.
LGBTQ adolescents face challenges that arise from complications during the developmental stage of their sexual orientation and from harmful external situations. However, their families and schools are often unaware of these concerns. If families and schools understood the conditions faced by LGBTQ adolescents, they could provide support and encourage them to adapt and develop their sexual orientation according to their developmental stage. This could reduce much of the risk faced by these adolescents. Guidelines for families and schools to support LGBTQ adolescents to become responsible and productive youth are proposed at the end of this article.
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