The staggering amount of untreated LGBTQ youth

by Sara Ritsch
Staff Writer

In a webcast featuring Dr. Lawrence D’Angelo, M.D., M.P.H., interviewer Susan Heavey discussed his opinion of the limited healthcare options for LGBTQ youth. A startling percentage of these youth are unaware of their diagnoses due to the strain and upset of poverty, homelessness, and societal marginalization.

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As Susan Heavey expresses from an anonymous questioner, the idea of coming out is both liberating and traumatic. So has Dr. D’Angelo, an advocate of LGBTQ youth rights and healthcare, witnessed the health impact of this trauma?

“Fifty percent of LGBT youth have a history of trauma or physical abuse over the course of their developing identity, or restating identity. Their trauma is an extraordinary contributor to poor health. These episodes translate into individuals avoiding interactions with healthcare and school systems. Drop out rates are much higher in transgender youth, as well as ‘LB’ youth,” explains D’Angelo.

In order to develop this culture of safe healthcare for LGBTQ youth, they must be willing to discuss their sexuality with their physician. “It’s very important,” D’Angelo says. “[Reaching out] allows them to develop the appropriate culture for youth to share that they have anal or oral intercourse in order to provide their healthcare.”

These individuals must trust their doctor in order to receive the proper care – especially in the case of homelessness.

“A lot of youth are forced into alternative living situations on the basis of their sexual orientations or the identities they may assume. It’s clear that being an LGBTQ youth is a risk factor for homelessness. Where do they find help?” He asks. “It’s hard to bring these youth into care – and mental health is a huge part of homelessness.

“You’re 14. You’re told by your parents that they no longer want you because of who you are. You try to find alternative housing and you can’t find it. The skills that it takes to negotiate our social systems are skills that our teens just don’t have.”

Heavey then asks D’Angelo what health issues are not being covered in the media in regards to LGBTQ youth.

“Look into the risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV. Individuals infected with HIV ages 13-24 are the population group that is least likely to know their diagnosis. That’s 50% of them that don’t know they are infected. Other STDs apply as well – syphilis has had a significant outbreak in this community.”

Emphasizing the needs of these youth to have mental health services is imperative – in fact, that is the case for most teenagers. But why are certain healthcare professionals reluctant to treat LGBTQ youth?

As a doctor, D’Angelo says, “I’d like to say we are immune to homophobia. It’s saturated our society for hundreds, no, thousands, of years. Unfortunately, there are healthcare providers who similarly fall victim to those homophobic impulses or orientations. I can’t explain it other than that…for some providers that care for younger individuals who go through this process, I think they fall victim to the idea that this is just a phase – an adolescent experience that they will get over. Unfortunately they do not get over it.”

In regards to why the percentage of bisexual youth is at its highest, Dr. D’Angelo states, “That’s a reflection of what a developmental process sexual identity and sexual orientation is. I think what you’re looking at is a lot of young people who are searching for who they are.”

Although many healthcare providers adhere to their right to refuse care, D’Angelo says that the rule in itself is both unclear and unethical.

In return, Heavey asks what case D’Angelo would make to physicians about why it is important to reach out to LGBTQ youth.

“You have the opportunity to impact the wellbeing of a significant number of youth in practices and community who otherwise can’t get care. This should resonate. [These providers] want to know they can help those who aren’t being helped. A certification process for practices in the area should allow them to declare themselves a safe allies practice.”

The medical profession as a whole, though – where is it on the adapting spectrum?

“It’s getting there,” D’Angelo says. “Thank you to the media for contributing to that, I think in a sympathetic way, by covering the plight of LGBT in this country. The introduction of gay marriage and the amazing shift in populous in terms of their acceptance – these things kind of targeted health care and appropriate services for LGBTQ youth.”

Dr. D’Angelo’s words speak to a bright future after a “vestige of a really ugly past in terms of how people treat LGBT individuals.” D’Angelo aims to change that – and to change the negative outcomes for many untreated youth.

The preceding is a loose adaptation of the live interview. No information or opinions have been altered.

The Gayly – 11/7/2015 @ 4:43 p.m.