'No scientific evidence' of gay youth suicide epidemic

2010-10-17

Ritch Savin-Williams, professor of developmental psychology and director of Cornell University's Sex and Gender Lab, has said that there is absolutely no scientific evidence of an 'epidemic of gay youth suicide,' or even that gay youth kill themselves more frequently than do straight youth.

Savin-Williams said, "It is important to point out in these moments of grief that there is absolutely no scientific evidence of an 'epidemic of gay youth suicide,' or even that gay youth kill themselves more frequently than do straight youth.

"The recent tragic deaths of several youth who are gay or suspected of being gay are rendered even more tragic because they come at a time when growing up gay has never been better or easier. Today's high school youth endorse same-sex marriage, gays in the military and gay rights. Most believe it is simply wrong to attack someone because of his or her sexuality. Never before has there been a generation more accepting and supportive of sexual diversity," Savin-Williams added. the rest