Speaker: Gu Li, Ph.D, Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia

Time: 15:00-16:00, June 29, 2018

Location: 1115, Wang Kezhen Building

Abstract: Adolescence is a period of increased sexual exploration. How common are same-sex sexual attraction and same-sex sexual activities among adolescents? Can we infer a person’s sexual identity (heterosexual, bisexual, or lesbian/gay) from early sexual activities? And what are the mental health implications of same-sex sexual experiences in adolescence? In this talk, I will describe studies I conducted in England, Hong Kong, and Canada. These studies suggest that same-sex sexuality manifests in many forms during adolescence and is not exclusive to lesbian/gay and bisexual individuals, but also to some heterosexual individuals. These findings have important implications on providing inclusive sex education and creating safe schools for adolescents of all sexual orientations.

Bio: Dr. Gu Li obtained a PhD in Psychology from the University of Cambridge in England and is now a CIHR Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia in Canada. Gu’s research focuses on the development of sexual orientation in adolescence and young adulthood, as well as the mental health of sexual and gender minority individuals. Gu’s work has appeared in major international academic journals, including Developmental Psychology, Journal of Adolescent Health, and Archives of Sexual Behavior.

Host: Dr. Li Yi