“Nationally, LGBTQ students experience depression at higher rates than the general population, which negatively influences success in college (1) or worse, higher rates of attempted or actual suicide. Students who come out to their guardians may also lose financial support, jeopardizing persistence toward a degree. (2) Because we are a Catholic university, we recognize the inherent human dignity of all of our students and, as a result, are obligated to support their success. This is as true of our LGTBQ students as any other cohort. We know, however, that LGBTQ students often face unique challenges, including struggling to negotiate their sexual orientation and/or gender identity with their faith development. (3)”
— Rio et al. (2016) University of San Diego 2015-2016 LGBTQ Student Success Survey, available at https://www.sandiego.edu/inclusion/documents/2015-16%20LGBT%20Student%20Success%20Study%20FINAL.pdf.
Citing:
Hatzenbuehler, M. L. (2011). The social environment and suicide attempts in lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. Pediatrics, 127(5), 896-903; Schmidt, C. K., Miles, J. R., & Welsh, A. C. (2010). Perceived discrimination and social support: The influences on career development and college adjustment of LGBT college students. Journal of Career Development, 0894845310372615. Paul, J. P., et al (2002). Suicide attempts among gay and bisexual men: lifetime prevalence and antecedents. American Journal of Public Health, 92(8), 1338-1345.
Higa, D. et al (2014). Negative and positive factors associated with the well-being of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Youth & Society 46(5), 663-687.
Gattis, M. N., Woodford, M. R., & Han, Y. (2014). Discrimination and depressive symptoms among sexual minority youth: Is gay-affirming religious affiliation a protective factor? Arch Sex Behav 43, 1589- 1599.