title: Envisioning an America without sexual orientation inequities in adolescent health.
abstract: This article explicates a vision for social change throughout multiple levels of society necessary to eliminate sexual orientation health disparities in youths. We utilized the framework of Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory of development, a multisystemic model of development that considers direct and indirect influences of multiple levels of the environment. Within this multisystem model we discuss societal and political influences, educational systems, neighborhoods and communities, romantic relationships, families, and individuals. We stress that continued change toward equity in the treatment of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths across these levels will break down the barriers for these youths to achieve healthy development on par with their heterosexual peers.
authors: Brian Mustanski, Michelle Birkett, George J. Greene, and Michael E. Newcomb are with Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL. Mark L. Hatzenbuehler is with Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY.
authors: Brian
authors: B
authors: Mustanski
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Birkett
authors: George J
authors: GJ
authors: Greene
authors: Mark L
authors: ML
authors: Hatzenbuehler
authors: Michael E
authors: ME
authors: Newcomb
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development; D001290:Attitude; D004493:Education; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011057:Politics; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D019529:Sexuality; D012922:Social Change; D014481:United States