Reviews the literature on suicidal behavior in gay and lesbian populations. Suicide risk factors include previous attempts, substance abuse, family dysfunction, and other factors. Suggests implications for mental-health counselors, which are discussed in terms of competency, intervention, and sociopolitical activism. Evidence suggests this…

The prevalence of suicidality among gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth is considerably higher than the reported rates for heterosexual youth. The strongest predictors for suicidality among all youth are substance abuse; victimization; social isolation; and exposure to suicide attempts or completion among family members. Homosexual and bisexual youth…

Discusses risks of school failure, suicide, and serious life problems among gay and lesbian youth and the need for counselors who will understand and work with them. Reviews court cases that demonstrate the liability of schools to protect gay and lesbian students from harassment. Recommends practical counseling strategies for gay and lesbian…

Discusses a mentoring model as a resource for lesbian and gay adolescents in foster care. The authors apply known successful program elements to the design of a model mentoring program for lesbian and gay adolescents. The program is meant to alleviate problems of isolation, stigmatization, and lack of positive lesbian and gay role models. (GR)

The issues of this quarterly publication and year end supplement contain professional articles on topics that concern at risk youth and emphasize preventive measures. Number 1 highlights the importance of mentoring programs for at-risk youth. Discussions on mentoring for special groups such as gifted adolescents and lesbian and gay youth are…

Contends that schools are obligated to address unique needs of homosexual youth because of their increased risk for suicide, abuse from peers, truancy, dropping out of school, and lower self-esteem. Proposes that schools develop a diversity room and have a diversity room specialist to meet needs of homosexual adolescents and to encourage a safe,…

Explores how gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth are integrated into society. The sexual minority youth of today have greater opportunities for development and acceptance than older gays and lesbians had, however, gay youth are still at high risk for confusion, societal pressure, and feelings of self-destruction and isolation. (EMS)

Reviews developmental models for understanding adolescence as they might be applied to emerging sexuality and the challenges and risks that may be associated with different sexual orientations and identities. Models have been identified as: cumulative events or simultaneous change, accentuation, or trajectory models. Models have been useful in…

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered youth are largely unsupported by health service providers, educators, and parents. Problems facing these youth, especially feelings of being isolated and invisible, are far greater than expected. Discrimination and prejudice stemming from a lack of accurate information is the norm, although small pockets…

Based on the view that increasing numbers of mothers who do not fit a narrow traditional image are often maligned, misunderstood, or ignored, this book presents the stories of a diverse group of mothers whose life circumstances place them outside the mainstream. Chapters explore the lives of mothers of exceptional children and biracial children;…