Table 2.
Topics and select example messages.
| Topics | Examples |
|---|---|
| SGM-specific Topics | |
| Allies | What are homophobia and transphobia? Homophobia is a term that describes negative feelings and attitudes toward LGB people. Transphobia is a similar term that describes negative feelings and attitudes towards transgender and gender nonconforming people. What are some examples of homophobia and transphobia? Negative feelings and attitudes about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) people can be shown in different ways. Some ways are obvious and intentional; for example, direct insults, threats, bullying, physical harm or violence, and discrimination. Some ways are less obvious. Examples of these hidden forms of homophobia or transphobia include people who aren’t comfortable around LGBT people; the use of slurs/words in an unintentional way; and avoiding discussions about LGBT issues due to feeling uncomfortable. All types of homophobic and transphobic attitudes and behaviors can be hurtful and sometimes dangerous to LGBT people. (Stigma) |
| Coming out | |
| Definitions of SGM-related terms | |
| Having an LGBT-identified parent | |
| Identity exploration | |
| Stigma | |
| Sexual and Reproductive Health | |
| Abstinence | It’s very common for boys and girls who later identify as gay to have sex with opposite-sex partners. All teens who are sexually active with opposite-sex partners need to use birth control to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. It also is important to use a condom every time to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). (Birth control, Condoms, STIs) Some transgender people decide to use hormones, or younger trans people might use puberty blockers to prevent them from going through puberty for the sex they were assigned at birth, to have their bodies more closely match their gender identities. (Puberty blockers, HRT) PrEP is the use of an antiretroviral drug (Truvada) to prevent HIV infection in HIV negative individuals who are at significant risk of becoming HIV positive. Recent research has demonstrated that the use of this medication has significantly reduced the risk of HIV infection in men who have sex with men, injection drug users, heterosexual cisgender women, and transgender women. (PrEP, HIV/AIDS) |
| Birth control | |
| Condoms | |
| Dental dams | |
| HIV/AIDS | |
| HIV/STI testing | |
| HRT | |
| Pregnancy | |
| PrEP & nPEP | |
| Puberty blockers | |
| STIs | |
| Co-Occurring Health Risks | |
| Bullying or violence | Adolescence can be an exciting but also a challenging time for everybody, since it is a period when bodies change, schoolwork is more difficult, and friends and families might not understand your feelings and thoughts. Sometimes adolescents feel more anxious, depressed, or even suicidal. Other times, adolescents can turn to risky behaviors such as drugs, alcohol or sex. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth, and youth who identify as transgender or gender nonconforming experience the same mental health issues as other adolescents. However, they may also feel alone and might not share their feelings about sexual orientation or gender identity because they fear people will reject them. (Mental health, Substance use) |
| Mental health | |
| Sexual abuse or partner violence | |
| Substance use | |
| Relationships | |
| Friends/peers | For people of all sexual orientations, learning about sex and relationships can be difficult. It can help to talk to someone about the confusing feelings that go with growing up — whether that someone is a parent or other family member, a close friend or sibling, or a school counselor. […] In many communities, youth groups can provide opportunities for LGBT teens to talk to others who are facing similar issues. Psychologists, psychiatrists, family doctors, and trained counselors can help them cope — confidentially and privately — with the difficult feelings that go with their developing sexuality. (Friends, Parents/family, Patient-provider interactions, Trusted adults) |
| Parents/family | |
| Patient-provider interactions | |
| Romantic relationship dynamics | |
| Trusted adults |
Abbreviations: SGM = Sexual and gender minority. HRT = Hormone replacement therapy. PrEP = Pre-exposure prophylaxis. nPEP = Nonoccupational post-exposure prophylaxis.