Young People With Same sex Attractions – Some Mental Health Promotion Implications

A brief summary of the findings of major published research conducted outside of Australia is presented. This is then compared to the findings of a qualitative study of the past sexual identity issues & health risk behaviour among 30 clients of West Australian peer, social & support programs for gay & bisexual male youth. Results indicate young men with same sex attractions were more likely to experience significant levels of isolation, fear, depression, & reduced access to the protective factors against youth suicide such as family & peer support. The implications of the findings for mental health promotion strategies are discussed.