%0 Journal Article
%T ¡°IT IS WHO I AM¡±: EXPERIENCES OF SAME SEX ATTRACTED YOUTH WITHIN AUSTRALIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS
%A RUSSELL PRATT
%A SIMONE BUZWELL
%J Gay and Lesbian Issues and Psychology Review
%D 2006
%I 
%X In the present research same-sex attracted youths¡¯ (SSAYs) connectedness to schools, families and peers was investigated. One hundred and fifty nine SSAY aged between 13 and 19 years of age responded to a questionnaire of both open-ended and closed-ended questions, providing qualitative and quantitative material. The results presented here suggest that SSAY often develop a number of strategies to negotiate difficult situations in their school environments. Also, responses suggested strong levels of resilience and coping. Unfortunately, SSAY live in a world where they have to utilise these coping and resilience strategies to combat discrimination that should not be occurring. The results of the current study indicate that a homophobic environment results in a negative school experience, regardless of whether a young person is out or not. Positive experiences were mediated by supportive fellow students and teaching staff. It is suggested that schools take a more systemic response to deal with homophobic attitudes and behaviours.
%K same-sex attracted youth
%K resilience
%K homophobia
%U http://www.groups.psychology.org.au/Assets/Files/GLIP_Review_Vol2_No1[1].pdf