The importance of gay role models to LGBT youth

I read an interesting article this morning on the importance of role models for LGBT youth.

Although the statistics apply to America, the article brings up some valid points about the importance that role models have on children, especially to try portray that LGBT children can be just as successful as other children.

In respect to my previous statement about New Zealand not being ready for a prime minister who is gay (because of the affect it could have on youth) the following article also talks about the affect the role models can have on children in general.

It brings up a valid point about the influence it has on children if role models are treated a certain way;

'If a role model is seen to be rewarded for a behavior, the behavior is more likely to be copied. For example, if a young girl sees her older sister praised for baking lovely cakes she is more likely to copy her sister’s behavior. Equally, if a young boy sees an older boy rewarded with respect and status for being involved in a gang, he is also likely to copy this less desirable behavior'

applying this to the situation of Having a prime minister who is gay, it would have the same affect but in the opposite way. Youth would see the sort of harassment that could potentially come from the public and see being gay as being a BAD trait, and therefore seeing being gay as a 'bad thing'.