In recent times, an increasing number of adolescents are identifying as sexuality and gender diverse, reflecting societal progress in acceptance and self-identification. This presentation delves into insights extracted from the Black Dog Institute’s groundbreaking Future Proofing Study, offering a comprehensive analysis of the experiences of sexuality and gender diverse adolescents. This is the first time worldwide, valid data about sexuality and gender diversity have been collected in a population-representative sample this young (N=6,388, average age 13.9 years). By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by sexuality and gender diverse adolescents and engaging with their experiences, this research seeks to contribute significantly to academic discourse and to more inclusive and empathic social policies, educational practices, and mental health interventions.
Key aspects to be explored in this presentation include demographic diversity, that is, the prevalence of sexuality and gender diversity, including insights into specific gender and sexual orientation identifiers, and how these demographics vary across different school types and locations. The focus will also be on the mental health disparities between sexuality and gender diverse students and their cisgender and heterosexual peers, including rates of anxiety, depression, suicidality, self-harm, and eating disorders. Furthermore, to extend our understanding of the specific challenges faced by gender and sexuality diverse students, we report on some of their lived experiences, including their encounters with bullies, their peer relationships, and their sleep patterns. The presentation concludes by contemplating potential proactive measures to enhance support systems for these students.