Same-sex attracted people (in particular younger people) are at a greater risk of suicide because of the perception that we need to hide our sexuality due to fear of homophobic reactions. Recent research by Lynne Hillier and her colleagues at La Trobe University shows that many young people experience anxiety about their sexuality. They found that about 9% of young people do not identify as exclusively heterosexual. However, many institutions—
particularly schools—remain homophobic. Same-sex attracted young people may hide their sexual orientation to avoid ostracism. Many same-sex attracted people carry this “secrecy”
through their lives. Anecdotal evidence suggests that in later life, GLBTI people may return to
the “closet” as they encounter homophobia in the aged-care system. Sexuality is often rendered invisible for same-sex attracted young people. Health professionals often assume that their clients are heterosexual. Understandably, there is a tendency for clients to conceal their sexuality. This reinforces that heterosexuality is the accepted norm.

A PDF of this resource is available from www.also.org.au