 Who
We Serve
First & foremost we're here for young people. If you're
between the ages of 13 and 25 and are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning your gender or sexual orientation, then GLASS is for you. We're
here to offer support, answer questions, and even conduct trainings or give presentations for parents, teachers, and other youth service providers. Give us a call or email us for more information or to schedule a presentation.
617.266.3349
glass@jri.org
Massachusetts High School Students and Sexual Orientation
Results of the 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
The Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey (MYRBS) is conducted every two years by the Massachusetts Department of Education with funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The survey monitors behaviors of high school students that are related to leading causes of morbidity and mortality among youth and adults in the United States (n = 4,159 9th-12th graders).
Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Students
Students who describe themselves as gay, lesbian, or bisexual and/or who have had same- sex sexual contact reported being significantly more likely than their peers to face threats, attempt suicide and abuse drugs and alcohol. When compared to peers, this group was:
- four times more likely to have attempted suicide,
- over three times more likely to miss school because
of feeling unsafe,
- nearly five times more likely to have used cocaine.
Reported Behaviors
| Behaviors |
GLB
Students |
Other
Students |
| Attempted suicide in the past year |
32.8% |
7.6% |
| Was in a physical fight in the past year resulting in medical treatment. |
20.3% |
4.2% |
| Skipped school in the past month because of feeling unsafe on route to or at school |
20.0% |
6.0% |
| Was threatened/injured with a weapon at school in the past year |
24.4% |
8.2% |
Smoked cigarettes in past thirty days
(1995 Survey) |
62.1% |
35.2% |
Used cocaine in their life
(1995 Survey) |
31.0% |
6.8% |
| Was pregnant or had gotten someone pregnant (Percentage among sexually active students only)
(1995 Survey) |
31.6% |
11.8% |
Homelessness among GLBT youth:
26% of adolescent gay males are forced to leave their homes after revealing their sexual orientation.
25-40% of homeless, throwaway, and runaway youth identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.
50% of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth are rejected by their parents after disclosing their sexual orientation.
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