Ethnic youth and sexual identity: the role of clinical and social support for ‘double minorities’

OBJECTIVES: Sexual-minority youth exhibit increased rates of psychiatric morbidity, subject to various social factors. We examine the impact of ethnicity and culture on these phenomena, with particular reference to Asian youth living in Western societies. CONCLUSIONS: Youth from minority ethnic groups who do not identify with their native gender and/or who are not exclusively heterosexual are known as 'double minorities'. Available evidence suggests that such individuals are at particularly increased risk of depression and suicide, but that this may be mitigated by social support. More research is needed to understand the challenges faced by 'double minorities', notably their perception of and ability to access available clinical and social supports.