Why gay teens take more unhealthy risks: 4 theories

A new study finds that LGBT teens are more prone to dangerous behavior than their heterosexual peers. Why?

Gay teens take bigger risks than straight teens, according to a new study, and some say the rash of anti-gay bullying is to blame.
(Image credit: Steve Prezant/CORBIS)

It's no secret that teenagers are prone to foolish, risky behavior. But a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that gay, lesbian, and bisexual high schoolers are more like likely than their heterosexual peers to smoke, drink, use drugs, have unprotected sex, and be bulimic. While the exact reasons why LGBT teens would be more likely to engage in such behavior are unclear, plenty of commentators are offering up their own explanations. Here are four:

1. They're socially stigmatized

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