Chasing the rainbow: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth and pride semiotics
Abstract While the pride rainbow has been part of political and social intervention for decades, few have researched how lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer young people perceive and use the symbol. How do lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth who experience greater feelings of isolation and discrimination than heterosexual youth recognise and deploy […]
Being Safe, Being Me: Results of the Canadian Trans Youth Health Survey
A national study by SARAVYC showed that while Canada’s transgender youth face significant physical and mental health issues, strong family, school and community connections help many of them navigate these challenges. The study, funded by the Canadian Institute for Health Research and completed in collaboration with universities and health researchers across Canada, was the first […]
How many is too many for BC youth? Alcohol use and associated harms
Although the legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19 years, many youth begin to experiment with alcohol before this age. Studies have shown that alcohol consumption by youth under the age of 19 is associated with an increased likelihood of involvement in health risks, such as a vehicle crash or a sexual or physical […]
Our communities, our youth: The health of homeless and street-involved youth in BC
Homeless and street-involved youth are among the most vulnerable populations in Canada and experience significant health inequities. The 2014 Homeless and Street-Involved Youth Survey (HSIYS) captured information from youth living in 13 diverse communities across British Columbia between October 2014 and January 2015. A total of 689 youth (aged 12–19 years) participated, from which we […]
We all have a role: Building social capital among youth in care
Research has shown the value of social capital in relation to an individual’s health, happiness, and improved life expectancy, as well as the benefits to a community of having social networks that can come together to support the community and make positive change happen. Using data from the 2013 BC Adolescent Health Survey which was […]
Sexual Health of Youth in BC
Adolescence is an important time in sexual development. It includes physical changes of puberty as well as changes in emotions and cognitive abilities. During this time, most youth develop romantic and sexual attractions, begin to understand their sexuality, and some enter their first romantic relationships. Some young people will also have sexual relationships. Legally the […]
![Teal and blue gradient background with white text that says “Trends in Disordered Eating by Sexual Orientation in Western Canada [abstract]”](https://www.saravyc.ubc.ca/files/2014/05/Trends-in-Disordered-Eating-by-Sexual-Orientation-in-Western-Canada-abstract_Twitter-360x180.png)
Trends in Disordered Eating by Sexual Orientation in Western Canada [abstract]
Purpose: Health disparities between sexual minority (SM) adolescents and heterosexual adolescents have been identified for risky behaviors such as substance use and risky sexual practice. Yet, few studies have looked at disordered eating (e.g., binge-eating and self-induced vomiting) which may cause serious health consequences. SM youth may be at higher risk for disordered eating, in […]
School-based strategies to reduce suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and discrimination among sexual minority and heterosexual adolescents in Western Canada
Abstract This study explored the relationships between the existence of and length of time since implementation of school-based Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) and explicit anti-homophobic bullying policies in secondary schools across British Columbia, Canada, with experiences of anti-gay discrimination, suicidal ideation and attempts among lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB), mostly heterosexual, and exclusively heterosexual students. Analyses of […]
Enacted stigma and HIV risk behaviours among sexual minority indigenous youth in Canada, New Zealand, and the United States
Abstract Enacted stigma has been linked to increased HIV risk behaviours among sexual minority youth, but despite higher rates of HIV and other STIs, there is very little research with Indigenous youth. In this study, secondary analyses of three population-based, school surveys were conducted to explore the associations between HIV risk and enacted stigma among […]
Adolescent pregnancy among lesbian, gay, and bisexual teens
This chapter focuses on a rarely-explored issue. Most people who think of adolescent pregnancy, assumes it is an issue exclusively among heterosexual youth. After all, pregnancy during the teen years usually requires penile–vaginal intercourse; there are no known countries where clinicians will provide artificial insemination to adolescents wishing to become pregnant, as adult lesbian women […]
