GLBT Teens Health & Wellness

Health promotion refers to things we do to stay healthy before we get sick. For gay teens this can mean everything from taking care of mental health, to being safe with sex and substances and finding supportive adults to talk to.

Five important health considerations specifically for GLBT teens.

Transgender health issues, including those related to transitioning, (altering one's gender presentation to match one's gender identity) and accessing appropriate health care can be important for teens.

gay teen dating violence

There are a number of organizations that offer gay teens support. Some are created specifically for GLBT teens. Others serve all teens, with special projects geared towards gay youth.

All teens need support, but sometimes it can be harder to find support for gay teens.

The GLBT National Helpline has two phone hotlines, (one specifically for youth) for people in need.

More and more schools provide safe environments for GLBT youth. Additionally, there are numerous GLBT organizations that can provide services to young people and their families.

There are some good reasons for gay teens to come out to their doctors.

Gay teens often want to go to doctor visits without their parents. Here are a few ways they can make this happen.

The awesome teen website Scarleteen.com has created an really helpful service called, Find-a-Doc to help teens find a doctor, counselor, LGBTQ center, doula, shelter or other in-person sexual/reproductive health, sexuality and/or crisis care serving teens and young adults.

Important health issues for lesbians from About's Guide to Lesbian Life.

7 tips for leading a healthy gay life from About's guide to Gay Life.

Though the GLBT community spends a lot of time talking about HIV, there are many other STDs (sexually transmitted infections) that gay teens should know about including HPV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes.