Gay Teens and the battle with depression

Guests: Deb Houry, Carrie Jacobs, Linda Hawkins

Despite the increased acceptance of the LGBTQ community and the legalization of gay marriage, not much has changed in terms of gay high-school aged kids and their risk of depression according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  For the first time, the CDC included sexual identity in their Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and the results show that LGB teens face far more violence and prejudice and a greater risk of drug addiction than their straight peers.  Today on Radio Times, we’ll hear about the study and its findings when we speak with the CDC’s DEB HOURY.  Then, we’ll get insight into the resources and methods to help young gay teens. We’ll talk with CARRIE JACOBS, executive director of the Attic Youth Center that provides support for LGBTQ teens, and with LINDA HAWKINS, counselor and co-director of the Gender and Sexuality Development Clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.