There is also some very important research just out from Dr. Anthony R. D'Augelli at The Pennsylvania State University that adds to the bleak statistics:

• 25% chose a family member as the first person to tell about their sexual orientation.
• Only 11% said their family members "knew" and were supportive.
• Over 50% received professional counseling.
• Over 50% were "very troubled" by depression, anxiety, and wrory about HIV infection.
• 30% said they had sometimes or often thought about killing themselves.
• 42% had one or more suicide attempts.
• 24% had two or more suicide attempts.
• Profile of suicide attempters: aware of sexual orientation earlier, lower self-esteem, more alcohol and drug problems, more out as lesbian or gay, and lost more friends due to sexual orientation.

  He has some other interesting data, as well (the following are all averages):

• First aware ness of sexual orientation: age 10
• Self-labelling: age 15
• Told a parent: age 17
• First same-sex serious relationship: age 17

  His works are:

  "The Impact of Victimization on the Mental Health and Suicidality of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth", Scott L. Hershberger & Anthony R. D'Augelli. Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University. Currently in press.

  "Victimization of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth in Community Settings", Neil W. Pilkington, Department of Psychology, McGill University. Anthony R. D'Augelli, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University.

  "Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth in Community Settings: Personal Challenges and Mental Health Problems", Anthony R. D'Augelli and Scott L. Hershberger. Currently in press.

  Chris Kryzan National Coalition for Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Youth

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