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LGBT+ Self-Identification Among Youth in Ireland Aged 17-18 Years: A Research Brief

Author

Listed:
  • Nerilee Ceatha

    (University College Dublin)

  • Gary J. Gates

    (Timbre Winery)

  • Des Crowley

    (University College Dublin
    HSE Addiction Services
    Irish College of General Practitioners)

Abstract

In 2016, for the first time, a nationally representative survey of 6216 respondents, Growing Up in Ireland (GUI), included measurement of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) among young people. Irish LGBTI+ youth and inclusion strategies identified collection of SOGI data as a policy objective, prioritizing analyses of GUI. In line with policy objectives, this research brief reports previously unpublished LGBT+ self-identification for youth in Ireland from Cohort ’98 born five years after decriminalization of homosexuality, with their coming-of-age coinciding with the marriage equality referendum, and legislation providing for greater gender recognition (2015). Ten percent of youth in Ireland, at 17-18 years, identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, asexual or describe their gender as other. Female youth are significantly more likely to identify as a sexual minority, and to be bisexual than their male peers. A quarter of LGBT+ youth are questioning their sexual orientation. This finding supports the inclusion of a ‘questioning’ response in surveys collecting SOGI data, and also suggests sexual orientation self-identification is a dynamic process. A small percentage identify as asexual (0.2%). Just over 1% of young people identify as transgender or describe their gender as other. As the first generation in Ireland to grow up in an environment with increased LGBT+ visibility and social acceptance, these findings of a relatively high proportion of sexual and gender minorities among young people likely reflect improved social and legal climates. The importance of publication of SOGI estimates is underscored. GUI are committed to ensuring visibility of LGBT+ youth populations in data collection. Suggestions for improved SOGI placement and phrasing will be considered in the questionnaire with Cohort ’08 at age 17, currently being drafted. The findings from these analyses will inform future policy and research. GUI offers rich possibilities for future comparative cross-cohort analyses.

Suggested Citation

  • Nerilee Ceatha & Gary J. Gates & Des Crowley, 2023. "LGBT+ Self-Identification Among Youth in Ireland Aged 17-18 Years: A Research Brief," Population Research and Policy Review, Springer;Southern Demographic Association (SDA), vol. 42(4), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:poprpr:v:42:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s11113-023-09807-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s11113-023-09807-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nerilee Ceatha & Aaron C. C. Koay & Conor Buggy & Oscar James & Louise Tully & Marta Bustillo & Des Crowley, 2021. "Protective Factors for LGBTI+ Youth Wellbeing: A Scoping Review Underpinned by Recognition Theory," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-50, November.
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