Studies have indeed proven that LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) youth have a higher risk of suicidal behaviour (“LGBT youth at higher risk of suicide, more support needed”; April 29).
What is surprising is that even in countries such as New Zealand, the United States and Denmark, which are tolerant of the LGBT lifestyle or even celebrate it, this higher risk is still prevalent.
This raises the question of whether the problem is with societal pressure or inherent in such a lifestyle.
The Oogachaga survey respondents who indicated having experienced abuse and discrimination have my sympathies, as do any others who suffer from bullying. Even someone popular in school can be bullied; the problem is therefore with the bullies.
Regardless of our race, language, religion and gender, there will always be bullies. The letter writer highlighted a problem faced by youth at large, and not only LGBT youth, and even adults.
To protect our children, we should deal with and condemn the act of bullying, for example, via school programmes that inculcate respect and celebrate the inherent dignity in every human, whatever our differences. Ultimately, everyone is somebody’s son or daughter.
