LGBTQ Health: Youth

Adolescence is a time of important growth and change. During this period (between 12 to 24 years of age), people experience many changes. These include:

  • Social and cognitive growth.
  • Puberty.
  • Other physical changes.

Adolescence can be an exciting time. It can also be a difficult time for some, especially for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) people.

Young people have unique health care needs. These include social and behavioral health needs. LGBTQ youth have similar health concerns as their non-LGBTQ peers. They also have unique concerns. For example, LGTBQ youth in Wisconsin have higher rates of:

  • Suicide attempts.
  • Smoking.
  • Sexual activity at a younger age.

The following resources can help understand the health issues affecting LGBTQ youth.

Resources

See all LGBTQ Health general resources.

  • Pride Institute—LGBTQ drug and alcohol addiction treatment center
    • Alcohol addiction—Information about alcohol use and addiction among LGBTQ people
    • Drug use—Find answers to frequently asked questions about drug abuse symptoms and drug use among LGBTQ people

Vivent Health—AIDS programs in Wisconsin

Glossary

 
Last revised October 28, 2022