Family, Youth and Community Sciences News: Struggles & Solutions for Sexual Minority Youth

Podcast: Struggles & Solutions for Sexual Minority Youth (Part I: Schools)
Written by: Christine Regan and Kate Fogarty

All adolescents share the same developmental tasks and struggles, many of which are not affected by issues of sexual orientation. However, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adolescents face a variety of challenges that heterosexual teens do not. For example, according to the Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Education Network (2005), high school students can hear up to twenty-five anti-gay remarks a day,39% of sexual minority students report being physically harassed because of their sexual orientation, and 29% of them report missing at least one entire day of school in the past month because they felt unsafe.

The majority of these students also claim that a teacher or professional was aware of these remarks and did nothing to correct the situation. Homophobic remarks are probably hurting more sexual minority adolescents than their peers or teachers realize.

Some schools are addressing the issues facing sexual minority adolescents by:
(1) creating roles for heterosexual support, for example, educating school counselors to decrease homophobic attitudes;

(2) developing gay-straight alliances or other in-school support groups for sexual minority youth; rainbow flag

(3) displaying “safe space” rainbow stickers in offices or on doors;

(4) developing resource materials such as pamphlets for both sexual minority and heterosexual youth and adults; and

(5) advocating for change in the organizational climate, curriculum, and, ultimately, policy that positively affects the lives of sexual minority adolescents by reducing risky behaviors and improving health outcomes in an already challenging period in youth development.

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References

Anthanases, Steven Z. & Larrabee, Timothy G. (2003). Toward a consistent stance in teaching for equity: Learning to advocate for Lesbian- and Gay-identified youth. Teaching and Teacher Education, 19, 237-261.

Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network. (2005). The 2003 National Climate Survey. Retrieved February 11, 2005.

Leck, G.M. (2000). Heterosexual or homosexual? Reconsidering binary narratives on Sexual identities in urban schools. Education and Urban Society, 32(3). 324-348.

Little, J.N. (2001). Embracing gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered youth in school-based settings. Child & Youth Care Forum, 30(2), 99-110.

Mufioz-Plaza, C., Quinn, S.C., Rounds, K.A. (2002). Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students: Perceived social support in the high school environment. The High School Journal, Apr/May 2002, 52-63.

Nesmith, Andrea A., Burton, David L. & Cosgrove, T.S. (1999). Gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth and young adults: Social support in their own words. Journal of Homosexuality, 37(1), 95-109.

Schneider, M.E. & Owens, R.E. (2000). Concern for lesbian, gay, and bisexual kids. Education and Urban Society, 32(3), 349-367.

Resources for Adults Who Work with Youth- (also see National Organizations below)

The American Psychological Association's Healthy Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Students Project works with schools to help prevent risky behaviors and improve health outcomes for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth

The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Educators Network combats harassment and discrimination of gay students and school personnel.

The NEA's “Strengthening the Learning Environment: An Education Employee's Guide to Gay and Lesbian Issues”

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays