These comments are taken directly from a blog called "The Stranger". The facts were published by Lindsey Tainer. The commentary is by Dan Savage.
Suicide attempts by gay teens—and even straight kids—are more common in politically conservative areas where schools don't have programs supporting gay rights, a study involving nearly 32,000 high school students found. Those factors raised the odds and were a substantial influence on suicide attempts even when known risk contributors like depression and being bullied were considered, said study author Mark Hatzenbuehler, a Columbia University psychologist and researcher. His study found a higher rate of suicide attempts even among kids who weren't bullied or depressed when they lived in counties less supportive of gays and with relatively few Democrats. A high proportion of Democrats was a measure used as a proxy for a more liberal environment.
Gay and straight teenagers who live in an areas with more same-sex couples and more registered Democrats, in areas where schools are likelier to have gay-straight student alliances and anti-bullying programs, are less likely to attempt suicide. "Environments that are good for gay youth are also healthy for heterosexual youth," the study's author told the AP.
2 comments:
Thank you for sharing this information, Diane. Awesome insights.
This really touches me as a Democrat. There is a real and tangible difference between the parties. For a long time I thought the edge that Democrats had was this thing called "compassion. And what you have shared in this post validates that for me.
I think acceptance is also something we Democrats tend to have for all humanity, in spades.
Of course, any attribute has its liabilities.
And Republicans have other attributes that lend themselves to study.
For today I thank you for sharing the wisdom you encountered, that is saving those who might otherwise be marginalized and decide their lives are not worth living.
Post a Comment