BARRIERS TO ACCESSIBILITY FOR LESBIAN AND GAY YOUTH NEEDING ADDICTIONS SERVICES

Using a qualitative research method, this study investigates the ways in which homophobia and heterosexism constitute barriers to treatment for lesbian and gay youth in need of addictions services. Seventeen le sbian and gay youth were interviewed regarding their experiences in ad dictions services. The major barriers that they report include margina lization, avoidance of gay and lesbian issues, ignoring sexual orienta tion as an issue, deflection and contradiction, outing, harassment, ea rly discharge, and misinformed staff Recommendations are made for maki ng addictions services more appropriate and accessible for lesbian and gay youth.