3.4 times more likely to report having engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse.Īdvocates say parents who affirm their children's identity can save their lives.3.4 times more likely to use illegal drugs.5.9 times more likely to report high levels of depression.8.4 times more likely to report having attempted suicide.More than one in four young LGBT people say parents and relatives who don’t accept them are their biggest problem, according to a Human Rights Campaign survey. Research shows family rejection can cause significant harm to people who identify as LGBTQ, contributing to higher rates of physical and mental health problems, including suicide, depression and HIV infection.Īccording to research from the Family Acceptance Project, lesbian, gay and bisexual young adults who reported higher levels of family rejection during adolescence were: The post went viral, highlighting the problem of parental rejection among LGBTQ people.
Dittman, who attended the event with a friend working with the LGBTQ advocacy group Free Mom Hugs, posted about his experience on Facebook, imploring parents of LGBTQ kids to accept and love their children.