Disparities in the association between bullying victimization and risky sexual behaviors by sexual identity

The current study examines sexual identity differences in the relationship between bullying victimization and risky sexual behaviors. Data for the study were derived from the 2023 dataset from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. The study participants were heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, other identities, and questioning youth. Gays/lesbians had the highest rate of bullying victimization, followed by those who are of other identities, bisexual, questioning, and heterosexual. The rate of risky sexual behavior was highest among bisexuals, followed by heterosexuals, gays/lesbians, those of other identities, and questioning. A positive association between bullying victimization and risky sexual behaviors was found for all sexual identities, except the gays/lesbians. Youth who question their sexual identity have the highest odds of risky sexual behaviors when victimized by their peers. The association between bullying victimization and risky sexual behaviors is complex, and schools need to provide a safe and inclusive space for students of diverse sexual identities.