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LGBT School Issues

If students are going to realize their full potential, it is critical that we create safe spaces in our schools. While values differ in our society regarding homosexuality, we all agree that respect and safety are qualities that are most needed in our schools.

The statistics about LGBT youth are deeply troubling.

  • 84% have been verbally harassed
  • 40% have been physically harassed
  • Close to 1 out of 5 have been physically assaulted
  • Numbers are slightly lower when asked about gender identity
  • Over 60% feel unsafe at school due to their sexual orientation. 40% feel unsafe due to their gender identity.
  • 30% missed one day of school in the past month due to safety concerns (8% of non-LGBT students missed school for this reason).
  • Increased levels of victimization resulted in increased levels of depression

In an effort to create safer spaces, students have created over 2,500 high school Gay Straight Alliances, and the number is growing. However, few universities and colleges offer teacher trainings on addressing gay issues in schools. Those that do offer such examination typically do so haphazardly out of the interest of a particular professor.

It is challenging for our schools to address gay issues as there has been little to no training in education on this subject. As a result of this full-day workshop, participants will be able to…

1. Cite stereotypes of being gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender.
2. Analyze the unique challenges of coming out.
3. Cite the consequences of being in the closet.
4. Examine various responses that a person faces when coming out.
5. Discuss biases faced by individuals who have come out.
6. Plan for creating a safer school environment regardless of a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

* Objectives and outcomes can be modified depending on the individual school’s need.