Politics

No scientific proof that gay youths have it harder, counters massive press on subject

Laura Donovan Contributor
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Developmental psychologist Ritch Savin-Williams says there is no scientific evidence to support that a gay youth suicide epidemic exists, calling into question this year’s abundant anti-gay bullying media coverage.

“Despite its apparent public appeal, scientific research simply does not support the picture of gay youth in psychological peril,” Savin-Williams wrote in a piece released today by the Good Men Project Magazine. “In fact, there has never been a better time to be young and gay.”

Jimmy LaSalvia, executive director of GOProud, was unfamiliar with “The Gay Kids Are All Right” article but had a response to it.

“We have seen a high number of recent suicides attributed to anti-gay bullying, and many of these kids were gay, and that’s worth looking at and studying,” LaSalvia told The Daily Caller in a phone interview. “I guess I don’t understand what the point is, if we continue to stick our heads in sand that it won’t exist, we have anecdotal evidence is that [gay bullying] is a problem, and it’s worth looking at and studying.”

Shortly after the suicide of gay Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi, numerous celebrities and public figures spoke out against homosexual bullying and harassment.

Talk show host Ellen Degeneres almost immediately gave an “important message about bullying” on her show. Dan Savage launched an “It Gets Better” campaign with the pledge, “I’ll provide hope for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and other bullied teens.” Gossip blogger Perez Hilton vowed to stop being so mean to celebrities.

The popular television program, “Glee” has incorporated the bullying theme all season. Tuesday’s episode of “Glee” includes a male character finally confronting his bully, who turns out to be gay. Cindy McCain, Gene Simmons, and Denise Richards just appeared in a new NOH8 anti-gay bullying video.

Anderson Cooper, Ellen Degeneres, It Gets Better, and GLAAD did not respond to numerous phone calls and messages for comment on “The Gay Kids Are All Right” article.

WATCH: Cindy McCain, Denise Richards, Kat Von D and other celebrities speak out against gay bullying: