Disparities of sexual orientations by sex and urban or rural residence among youth in China

Abstract

This study explores the distribution of sexual orientations and examined disparities by sex and rural and urban residency of non-heterosexual youth, aged 15–24 years, in China. Data was derived from a 2009 nationally representative survey. Among 22 288 participants, 0.79% identified as homosexual, 1.47% identified as bisexual, and 4.26% were unsure about their sexual orientation. Compared with male youth and urban youth, female youth (adjusted odds ratio = 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.23–1.52) and rural youth (adjusted odds ratio = 1.23, 95% confidence interval: 1.09–1.40) were more likely to be non-heterosexual. More efforts should be made to enhance sex education and legal protection for non-heterosexual youth in China.