Addressing LGBTQ Issues in Schools

Brianne MackTawny Sammons

Rachel ZuroffCody Lang

The Gay Stigma

What does it mean to be LGBT?

The Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Bullying of LGBT Students.O 85% of LGBT youth have been verbally harassedO 40% of LGBT youth have been physically assaulted in the

past yearO 92% of middle and high school students have frequently

heard homophobic remarks in schoolO 99.4% heard these remarks from other studentsO 63% heard these remarks from school faculty

O 30% of LGBT students have skipped at least one day of school in the past month because of safety concerns (compared to 6.7% of heterosexual students)

O 45% of gay, lesbian and bisexual youth have attempted suicide (compared to 8% of heterosexual youth)

O 30% of 7th grade students claim they would not remain friends with someone who came out as gay

O 45% of 7th graders would prefer to go to a school with no gay or lesbian students

Bullying of LGBT Students

O Only 16 states prohibit discrimination or harassment in schools based upon sexual orientation.

O 33 states have anti-bullying laws that explicitly do not protect LGBT students

O In a study of comprehensive anti-bullying programs in middle and high schools, none covered issues regarding sexual orientation and homophobia.

Gay Straight Alliance Network•Goal: provide a safe and supportive environment for students in the LGBTQ community.•Currently, there are 33 states with a GSA network.•They participate in national campaigns to raise awareness, such as the Day of Silence, NationalComing Out Day, No Name Calling Week.In 2008, there were over 4000 registered GSA’s.

Gay Straight Alliance Network

• LGBT students feel safer at school, skip school less and have a greater sense of belonging when their school has a GSA

• GSAs provide significant opportunities for youth leadership development and more opportunities for involvement for these students in the school

• GSAs give a more positive school environment

LGBT-friendly Sex Education

O LGBT issues ignoredO The same risks still applyO Transgendered students should have

access to health informationO Viewed as a criticism of abstinence-only

curriculaO How can you wait for marriage if you are

not legally allowed to marry in your state?O Parents can exempt their child from sex-

ed

LGBT-friendly Sex Education

O Available information reduces greater risks

O Opponents fear “encouragement” of homosexual behavior

O Open discussion leads to a better sense of individual identity

O References:O Lee, Carol (2002-02-10). "Gay Teens

Ignored by High School Sex Ed Classes". WeNews.