Although many LGBTQ+ youth thrive during adolescence through exploration of gender and sexuality, stigma and discrimination lead to trauma which puts them at increased risk of poor health outcomes.
Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to have been bullied at school, felt sad or hopeless, been forced to have sex, seriously considered suicide, used illicit drugs, and misused prescription opioids.
I utilize my lived experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ communities, my knowledge of health disparities, and my role in public health as a physician to suggest a trauma-informed approach to affirming gender identity and sexual orientation.
Learn More About Ariel Porto
Tags: Healing, Medical Practitioner
