Safe Schools for Lesbian and Gay Students

Safe Schools for Lesbian and Gay Students

It is important that all children feel safe in the school environment. The majority of waking hours are spent at school, so it must be ensured that students feel comfortable, safe, secure, and supported while at school. This is especially the case for lesbian and gay students, who face several challenges in regards to discrimination, self-esteem, and fitting in with other students. It is the responsibility of teachers and school administrators to address this issue and devise strategies for ensuring that lesbian and gay students are appropriately supported in the school environment.

Lesbian and gay students often feel isolated, alienated, and left out at school (Youth Pride, 1997). These feelings of isolation result in several troubling outcomes. Suicide rates among lesbian and gay students are high, with studies indicating that gay and lesbian students are up to three times more likely to attempt suicide than are heterosexual students, and suicide is the leading cause of death for lesbian and gay young people (Youth Pride, 1997). Gay and lesbian students are also more likely to drop out of school as a result of harassment, and a high percentage of gay and lesbian young people report crippling isolation (Youth Pride, 1997). Furthermore, high rates of violence, homelessness, and HIV / AIDS are also experienced by lesbian and gay youth (Youth Pride, 1997). Child welfare and juvenile justice systems in the United States are also disproportionately occupied by lesbian and gay youth (Lambda Legal, 2010).

The negative outcomes often experienced by gay and lesbian youth could be mediated and prevented through initiatives put into practice by teachers and school administrators. These initiatives must target core values and attitudes held by students and staff. Homophobic remarks are commonly heard in the school environment coming from both students and teachers (Youth Pride, 1997). These types of remarks are damaging and stem from attitudes that could be changed with increased awareness. Also, public social and legal policy needs to address and reflect the need for action directed specifically toward lesbian and gay issues among youth in order to decrease isolation and discrimination.

Youth Pride (1997) provided several suggestions for ways to reduce homophobia in the school environment, which teachers can put into practice. These suggestions included not making assumptions regarding sexuality, and supporting how students feel about their sexuality. These can be achieved by using neutral language when addressing the issue of relationships with students and by making students feel that teachers can be approached for support and understanding. Also, it is suggested that teachers encourage school administrators to enforce policies to combat discrimination against students based on sexual orientation (Youth Pride, 1997).