“No Shit” Headline of the Week

The "no shit" headline of the week award goes to National Public Radio for this story :

Study: Tolerance Can Lower Gay Kids’ Suicide Risk

Gay, lesbian and bisexual teens and young adults have one of the highest rates of suicide attempts — and some other health and mental health problems, including substance abuse. A new study suggests that parental acceptance, and even neutrality, with regard to a child’s sexual orientation could have a big impact in reducing this rate.

The study, published in the journal Pediatrics , found that the gay, lesbian and bisexual young adults and teens at the highest risk of attempting suicide and having some other health problems are ones who reported a high level of rejection by their families as a result of their sexual orientation.

"A little bit of change in rejecting behavior, being a little bit more accepting," says lead researcher Caitlin Ryan, "can make a significant difference in the child’s health and mental health."

You think ? I guess I’m glad that this study was done, and that it’s getting airtime on All Things Considered — but it’s amazing to me that this is noteworthy : that loving your kid unconditonally and accepting them regardless of their sexual identity could, you know, improve their health and well being.