Sexual Orientation and Adolescent Health and Wellness in Indonesia Global Early Adolescent Study

Ifta Choiriyyah, Universitas Gadjah Mada
Anggriyani Wahyu Pinandari, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Studies found that young people with non-heteronormative sexual orientation experience more physical and mental health issues due to rejection, violence, stigma, and discrimination. In Indonesia, research on non-heterosexual adolescents is limited and sensitive due to sociocultural and legal challenges that promote rejection and lack of support; which may increase mental distress and self-harm among these youths. The Global Early Adolescent Study (GEAS) conducted in Indonesia from 2018 to 2022 followed 4,684 adolescents from Bandar Lampung, Denpasar, and Semarang to explore how gender socialization impacts health and well-being. This study used questions about romantic feelings to approximate sexual orientation as GEAS did not use direct question about sexual orientation. The analysis found that 89.3% were categorized as heterosexual, 3.8% as homosexual, and 5.6% as bisexual. Comparison between hetero and non-heterosexual respondents indicate that non-heterosexual adolescents reported worse general health, higher rates of guilt about romantic attractions, and more concerns about their academic performance and potential school dropout. They also experienced more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health issues, eg. higher rates of severe depression and anxiety compared to their heterosexual peers. This analysis aims to highlight these disparities and advocate for better support and policies to improve adolescents overall well-being.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Health and Morbidity, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

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