Estimated Population of Lesbian/Gays in Bay Area |
15% to 25% |
552,989 to 737,318 persons |
- Characteristics of the lesbian and gay population are as diverse as the general
population. The prevalence of homophobia, heterosexism, and discrimination (actual and
perceived), however, has created barriers to meeting basic needs and achieving equal
rights and has resulted in issues which are unique to the lesbian and gay men population.
- An orientation which is continually invalidated by institutions can lead to strained or
no relations with friends, family and co-workers; harassment from the public, guarded
behaviors, difficulty in identifying and building community support; and low self-esteem.
Youth and closeted lesbians and gay men may be particularly isolated and alienated from
support systems. The process of "coming out" is generally more problematic for
minorities and is more difficult for all at this time, because of AIDS.
- Bay and lesbian youth are 2-3 times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
- Elderly lesbians and gay men are ignored by services and healthcare policies that fail
to acknowledge their existence and relationships.
|
Accepted Estimate of Lesbian/Gays in General Population
|
10% to 20%
45,000 to 90,000 in San
Mateo County |
Debate
2% to 4% versus 10% to 20% or
12,992 to 25,985 versus 64,692 to
129,925 persons in San Mateo |
| Anti-Gay Violence
- Reported attacks on Gays
- Crime and harassment targeting Gays
|
|
|
| Percent of Teenage suicides committed By Lesbian &
Gay Youth |
| Trends in Anti-Gay Violence |
| Barriers to Meeting Needs Resulting from
Homophobia, Heterosexism, & Discrimination
(actual & perceived) |