Jean-Marie Firdion : risk of suicide in youngsters with unconventional sexual orientation

Making a synthesis from a recent report, the author presents the hypothesis of an association between suicide attempt, or suicide, among youths and homosexual or bisexual orientation. The consonant findings of North-American epidemiological works, published last years, emphasize the fact that homosexuality, per se, is not a direct causal factor in suicidality among youths. Nonetheless, homosexual or bisexual orientation are factors that increase the risk of suicidal behaviors (with a significant effect). This phenomenon could be related to homophobia and heterosexism, still present in our societies. These conclusions have a strong effect on prevention programs and policies directed to youths. The American research results underscore the need for collecting and analyzing such data in France.