Queer Subjects of Suicide: Cultural Studies, Sexuality and Youth Suicide Concepts in New Zealand

Abstract

This paper undertakes a brief examination of current trends in New Zealand youth suicide research and policy, arguing that the extent to which youth sexuality is addressed is comparatively limited. Although lesbian/gay/bisexual sexualities, concerns and identities are relatively absent, it is important not merely to add minority sexualities to suicide concepts in New Zealand research and policy development; rather these are well‑placed to take on‑board highlynuanced understandings of sexuality that (a) draw on culturalist, queer theory and postmodern/poststructuralist approaches, and (b) are more in line with a culture of sexual fluidity among contemporary youth. Personal and identity‑related anxieties around such a sexual culture, it is argued, may be among risk factors for youth suicide. By showing how youth sexuality is either marginalised or mis‑read by policy‑makers and researchers, some early indicators of directions suicide research might take with regard to sexuality are asserted here.