Adolescence, from about 12 to 24 years of age, is a time of growth and change that prepares young people to take on additional responsibilities associated with adulthood. This period is marked by social and cognitive growth, as well as puberty and other physical changes. While adolescence can bring about exciting self-discovery, it can also be accompanied by difficult exploration of identity. For LGBT youth, experiencing stigma can often compound the challenges already associated with adolescence.
Because adolescents tend to be physically healthy, much of adolescent healthcare is focused on social and behavioral health issues and on helping adolescents adapt to changes in their bodies. While LGBT youth have many of the same medical and developmental concerns as their non-LGBT peers, they also experience some unique concerns. In Wisconsin, LGBT youth have higher rates of suicide attempts, smoking, and initiation of sex at an early age compared to their non-LGBT peers. For example, youth who engage in same-sex sexual contact are more than 3 times as likely to attempt suicide and twice as likely to smoke daily compared to youth engaging in only opposite-sex contact.
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The following selection of resources is intended to increase awareness of health issues and disparities affecting LGBT youth. Use the left side navigation bar to learn more about any of the health concerns addressed below.
All external hyperlinks are provided for your information and for the benefit of the general public. The Department of Health Services does not testify to, sponsor, or endorse the accuracy of the information provided on externally linked pages.
Hyperlinks marked with the 
icon indicate Wisconsin resources.
GENERAL RESOURCES
Harmony Cafe
Description: Non-profit coffee house promoting community diversity, including LGBT youth socialization and social support
Resource availability: Northeast Wisconsin
LGBT Health and Development Program
Description: LGBT health and related topics for youth, sponsored by Northwestern University
Resource availability: Internet
LGBT youth health information
Description: CDC's webpage on general LGBT youth health information
Resource availability: Internet
LGBT Youth of SE Wisconsin
Description: Programs, including tobacco cessation, scholarships, and resources, for LGBT youth
Resource availability: Southeast Wisconsin
LGBTQ Youth Resource Brief
Description: Links to web resources and electronic documents from the Maternal and Child Health Library at Georgetown University
Resource availability: Internet
Q-Blok
Description: Provides direct housing assistance and case management services as well as community connections to homeless LGBT youth.
Resource availability: Milwaukee
Q2 -- Chippewa Valley LGBTQ Youth Group
Description: Chippewa Valley based LGBTQ youth group for anyone aged 12-18 who identifies as LGBTQ or as an ally. Q2 provides a safe environment to talk about all things LGBTQ and an opportunity to meet other LGBTQ youth from the area.
Resource availability: Eau Claire
Valued Families
Description: Social networking and education opportunities for LGBT parents
Resource availability: Fox River area of Wisconsin
Youth Resources
Description: Uses peer educators to educate LGBT youth about a range of health issues, from HIV to substance abuse
Resource availability: Internet
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Alcohol addiction
Description: Symptoms of alcohol addiction and statistics about alcohol use among LGBT people published by the Pride Institute
Resource availability: Minneapolis, Minnesota and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Internet
Drug abuse
Description: Symptoms of drug abuse and statistics about drug use among LGBT people published by the Pride Institute
Resource availability: Minneapolis, Minnesota and Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Pride Institute
Description: LGBT drug and alcohol addiction treatment center
Resource availability: Minneapolis, Minnesota and Fort Lauderdale, Florida
CANCER
Cancer facts for gay and bisexual men
Description: Information on risk, prevention, and detection of lung, skin, prostate, colon, anal, and testicular cancers among gay and bisexual men; published by the American Cancer Society
Resource availability: Internet
Cancer facts for lesbian and bisexual women
Description: Information on risk, prevention, and detection of lung, skin, colon, breast, and gynecological cancers among lesbian and bisexual women; published by the American Cancer Society
Resource availability: Internet
National LGBT Cancer Network
Description: Information on population specific cancer risks, optional electronic screening reminder
Resource availability: Internet
HIV/AIDS
AIDS Network
Description: Legal, life care, prevention, and support group information for people living with AIDS
Resource availability: South Central Wisconsin
AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin
Description: Medical center, social services, and prevention programs
Resource availability: Wisconsin
Wisconsin HIV/STD/Hepatitis C Information and Referral Center
Description: Fact sheets, testing referrals, and external links
Resource availability: Internet
MENTAL HEALTH
Anxiety disorders in LGBT populations
Description: Information on anxiety disorders in LGBT populations published by the Pride Institute
Resource availability: Minneapolis, Minnesota, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and internet
Depression in LGBT populations
Description: Information on depression in LGBT populations published by the Pride Institute
Resource availability: Minneapolis, Minnesota; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Internet
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Description: A 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Resource availability: Internet & toll-free hotline: 1-800-273-TALK [8255]
The Trevor Project
Description: The Trevor Project is a leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth.
Resource availability: Internet & toll-free hotline: 1-866-488-7386
SEXUAL HEALTH
General STD information
Description: The CDC's webpage about STDs, including a testing site locator, statistics, and treatment guidelines
Resource availability: Internet
STI and HIV Testing in Youth
Description: Information provided by a peer educator about the emotional, logistical, and legal aspects of HIV and STD testing in Youth, published by Youth Resources
Resource availability: Internet
Wisconsin HIV/STD/Hepatitis C Information and Referral Center
Description: Information and service finder for STD diagnosis and treatment
Resource availability: Wisconsin
TOBACCO
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- Tips from Former Smokers
Description: Real stories of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people who are suffering from smoking-related diseases and disabilities.
Resource availability: Internet
National LGBT Tobacco Control Network
Description: Quit strategies and resources, outreach information, statistics, and scientific literature
Resource availability: Internet
VIOLENCE/SAFETY
AARDVARC (An Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection)
Description: Information on domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault, including state laws and how to recognize and react to abuse and locate resources
Resource Availability: Internet
Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools
Description: Leadership development for youth and skill development for GSA advisors and other secondary school educators
Resource availability: South Central Wisconsin, Internet
Northwest Network
Description: LGBT information and support regarding abuse and violence (based in Seattle, WA)
Resource availability: Internet
StopBullying.gov
Description: Information from various government agencies on how kids, teens, young adults, parents, educators and others in the community can prevent or stop bullying.
Resource availability: Internet
