Study: Tolerance Can Lower Gay Kids’ Suicide Risk

Gay, lesbian and bisexual teens and young adults have one of the highest rates of suicide attempts — and some other health and mental health problems, including substance abuse. A new study suggests that parental acceptance, and even neutrality, with regard to a child’s sexual orientation could have a big impact in reducing this rate.

The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that the gay, lesbian and bisexual young adults and teens at the highest risk of attempting suicide and having some other health problems are ones who reported a high level of rejection by their families as a result of their sexual orientation.

“A little bit of change in rejecting behavior, being a little bit more accepting,” says lead researcher Caitlin Ryan, “can make a significant difference in the child’s health and mental health.”

You think? I guess I’m glad that this study was done, and that it’s getting airtime on All Things Considered — but it’s amazing to me that this is noteworthy: that loving your kid unconditonally and accepting them regardless of their sexual identity could, you know, improve their health and well being.