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LGBTQIA+ Youth and Human Trafficking

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Medical Perspectives on Human Trafficking in Adolescents

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, genderqueer, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) youth are victims of human trafficking at a higher rate than other youth. While this is a varied, diverse, and resilient population, there are many factors affecting LGBTQIA youth at higher rates such as lack of parental support and homelessness, violence, victimization, and resulting mental health issues that place them at higher risk for human trafficking. Understanding some of the challenges faced by young patients identifying as LGBTQIA can allow delivery of better more inclusive medical care that may prevent some of the negative outcomes experienced by these groups, such as suicide and high rates of sexually transmitted infections including HIV. The case of Jesse, a transgender girl, illustrates multiple medical visits where trafficking could have been considered. Examples guide clinicians to provide inclusive and comprehensive care.

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Langer, M., Paul, N., Belkind, U. (2020). LGBTQIA+ Youth and Human Trafficking. In: Titchen, K., Miller, E. (eds) Medical Perspectives on Human Trafficking in Adolescents. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43367-3_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43367-3_11

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