New UK population-based study highlights the strengths of LGBT adolescents

New research has highlighted the often-overlooked strengths of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) adolescents.

Previous studies on LGBT youth have often focused on disparities in health and wellbeing. But this new paper – led by researchers from City St George’s, University of London and The Open University – instead outlines the unique strengths of LGBT youth.

The study, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, used data from over 7,000 young people aged 17 years old from the nationally representative UK Millennium Cohort Study. It applied the 5Cs model of positive youth development — competence, confidence, connection, character and caring — to compare experiences across different gender and sexuality groups. The sample included 41% cisgender heterosexual males, 33% cisgender heterosexual females, 17% cisgender sexual minority females (e.g., LGB youth), 8% cisgender sexual minority males, and 1% gender-minoritised adolescents (e.g., trans young people).

As Pride Month celebrations continue across the UK, the findings show that LGBT adolescents report a wide range of strengths, particularly in terms of their social connections and caring attributes. Additionally, sexual minoritised adolescents were more likely than their cisgender heterosexual male peers to report academic competence, while gender minoritised adolescents were more likely to describe themselves as creative and community-minded.

Dr Mat Lucassen, Reader in Mental Health in the School of Health & Medical Sciences at City St George’s, University of London, said:

“LGBT young people are routinely viewed as at risk and research to date has been deficit-focused. Our new paper highlights the strengths of these youths, reinforcing instances where they are doing better than heterosexual cisgender youth.

“Emphasising the challenges minoritised groups, like LGBT young people, face is important. Doing this can result in motivating a society to change negative environments and by extension improve outcomes. But the problem is that constantly emphasising their perceived deficits means that LGBT young people can internalise a range of negative or toxic messages (like I am somehow wrong or inferior) - which in turn exacerbates the psycho-social struggles they encounter.”