2023 YRBS Report

February 16, 2023
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The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) from the CDC released their 2023 report. Based on the findings, it is crucial that to reduce health risk behaviors among young people (and across the life course), we must first ensure that LGBTQ+ young people are safe, seen, and celebrated in their homes, schools, and communities.

Here are some major highlights from the report

*content warning for mentions of self-harm, suicide, bullying, and sexual violence*:

  • Over 20% of LGBQ+ students and 37% of those who have had same-sex partners have been forced to have .
  • Nearly 25% of LGBQ+ students were bullied at school and 30% were electronically bullied.
  • Only 52% of LGBQ+ students (vs 65% heterosexual students) felt close to people at school.
  • Almost 70% of LGBQ+ students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the past year.
  • More than 50% had poor mental health during the past 30 days.
  • Almost 25% attempted suicide during the past .

Living within this context of violence and trauma, is it any surprise that LGBQ+ students and those who have had any same-sex partners are more likely than their peers to have used or misused opioids, alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine vapes?

We need comprehensive local, state, and federal policy contexts that affirm and protect LGBTQ+ people. These can include:

  • Non-discrimination, harassment, and anti-bullying policies.
  • Policies protecting best practice and gender-affirming healthcare for LGBTQ+ people.
  • Policies ensuring public access (e.g., to bathrooms, changing rooms, and athletic facilities) for trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary students.
  • Policies ensuring that school curriculum are culturally inclusive for LGBTQ+ individuals and histories.

LGBTQ+ youth needs:

  • Access to culturally competent healthcare providers and institutions that affirm their sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Free, culturally humble, community and clinic-based resources to support healing from structural and interpersonal violence and trauma.
  • Safe spaces to gather and connect with loving and supportive peers and mentors.

As LGBTQ+ elders and allies, it’s our responsibility to move forward LGBTQ+ affirming policy changes so  LGBTQ+ young people are safe, seen, and celebrated.

To read the report, please follow the link here: https://go.osu.edu/CWq3

#thisispublichealth #lgbtq #lgbtqhealth #timeforchange #policychange

**If you or a loved one are in need of support, please follow this link for LGBTQ resources: https://womensplace.osu.edu/lgbtq-staff-faculty-resources/lgbtq-local-national-resources