Youth write their way into history

Same-sex attracted youth are being encouraged to contribute to a national survey on sexual attraction and the social frustration affecting their generation.
The third Writing Themselves In survey is being conducted by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University. Titled Who Pushes Your Buttons?, it will be used to gather information on the sexuality, health and wellbeing of Australians aged 14-21 who experience attraction to members of their own sex (regardless of how they identify).
Research team head Dr Lynne Hillier said the researchers want to know who pushes the buttons of same-sex attracted youth in a variety of ways.
“We want to know who attracts them, who supports them and who and what offends them,” she said.
“This is a chance for them to get these things off their chest and share their feelings — and in doing so, to make a difference.”
Hillier said it was hoped the survey would show a continuing trend of positive changes that have taken place in Australia since the first study, as well as give a clearer picture of the levels of homophobia and discrimination facing same-sex attracted youth today.
“We are particularly interested in finding out how they are coping with things such as relationships, family and friends, school, abuse or violence and sexual health. The results of this research will be used to help make education and services better and focus more attention on how to make Australia a more supportive place for sexual diversity,” she said.

info: The survey is online until April at www.wti3.org.au. For more information or to download previous reports, visit www.latrobe.edu.au/ssay