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 Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth report being bullied in far greater numbers than their peers.
In addition, young people in schools are often targeted for bullying with epithets that suggest that they may be homosexual. Names like sissy, fag, gaybo, poof and others that call into question a person’s sexuality are among the most popular weapons of bullies – and they become a double-edged sword, even when the person against whom they’re used is not LGBT. According to the National School Climate Survey, of 904 students interviewed:
83.2% were called names or threatened because of their sexual orientation 65.4% were sexually harassed by suggestive comments or inappropriate touching because of their sexual orientation 74.2% of lesbian and bisexual girls report being sexually harassed 73.7% of transgender students were sexually harassed 41.9% were physically harassed – shoved or pushed, for example 21.1% were physically assaulted – punched, kicked, hit or otherwise injured They hear slurs such as ‘gay’, ‘faggot’ and ‘homo’ about 26 times per day
Youth who are gay are at risk of serious depression and other mental health problems because of the climate of hatred that surrounds them, not because of their identity. GLBT youth are twice as likely to attempt suicide as their heterosexual peers. These figures are similar to those reported by adults who are the victims of crimes because of their supposed sexual orientation.
In addition, nearly four times as many youth who are not GLBT report being bullied and taunted because they are perceived as being gay or lesbian. Because bullying is at its worst at the very same time that most young people are developing their own sexual identity, this kind of harassment and abuse has an especially harsh effect. Students who have been ‘identified’ as gay or lesbian by peers may be ruthlessly stalked and abused by children who wouldn’t dream of bullying for any other reason.
The Prevalence of the Problem To make things worse for many GLBT students, the schools themselves may not acknowledge their existence. A national survey on GLBT youth and safe schools found that many schools, GLBT is not even considered a diversity issue despite the fact that GBLT intolerance is part of the national hate crimes laws. That survey also found that:
59% did not include LGB in their student harassment/non-discrimination policies 75% did not include gender identity/expression in their student policies 52% did not include LGB in their staff harassment/non discrimination policies 68% did not include gender identity/expression in their staff policies 83% had no training for staff on LGB issues 83% had no training for staff on gender identity/expression 61% had no support groups for LGBT students 83% had little or no LGBT information in library for students 90% had little or no LGBT information for staff in the library 81% rarely or never addressed LGBT issues in the curriculum (48% never) 41% had a Diversity Coordinator (41% don't know) 94% had little or no resources for parents about LGBT issues 40% had no published or accessible grievance policies 80% never responded/responded sporadically to complaints 95% of counseling services had little or no LGB resources 99% of counseling services had little or no trans resources 70% had no training for staff on how to stop LGBT bullying/harassment 92% had no training for students on how to stop LGBT bullying/harassment 91% provided little or no multicultural training of any kind 81% made no accommodations for trans students 80% offered no support to LGBT athletes 42% blocked access to LGBT non-pornographic sites with Internet filters 96% did not provide bulletin board space for LGBT displays 60% provided no visible welcome for same-sex parents or student couples 62% of staff rarely or never used LGBT inclusive language 75% reported that they felt that LGBT students were unsafe in their school
In the vast majority of schools, LGBT students are barely acknowledged, though this is changing slowly. As a result:
22% of GLBT youth skipped at least one day of school last month. 28% of gay students will drop out of school before graduating. Four out of five gay or lesbian students say they don’t know a single supportive adult at school.
How Schools Can Help Schools are required by law in many states to offer a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Students who have a supportive or openly gay teacher in the school report being more likely to feel that they belong in their school. Other factors that can help GLBT youth feel more at home in their schools include having a chapter of the Gay/Straight Alliance at school, and having presentations offered at their school about GLBT issues. Some specific steps that schools can take to address the problem of GLBT bullying are:
Invite a group like PFLAG or GLSEN to offer a presentation at the school. Be alert to signs of distress in students. Make putting an end to all bullying a priority for student groups and school councils. Include GBLT issues in diversity education. Encourage students who are being bullied to report the abuse. Encourage students who witness GLBT bullying to report what they see. Help start a GLSEN or Gay/Straight Alliance group for students at the school.
As an individual teacher, you can help by being the supportive adult that makes the difference. Discuss GBLT harassment and bullying openly in class. Have something in or around your desk or classroom that students can identify as supportive of GBLT – a GLSEN poster, a book by an openly gay author or any other signal to students that you are approachable on the subject can be all a student needs to open up and trust an adult with their problems. Encourage open dialog with administration to bring GLSEN or other presenters to the school to discuss GBLT bullying. Watch your own language and unconscious attitudes. Do not look the other way when students use derogatory terms to refer to gays or lesbians.
If You Believe Your Child Is Being Bullied Because of Sexual Orientation Open the dialog – and be open. Let your child know that your love is unconditional. Encourage your child to bring the bullying to the attention of the school. Encourage the school to start a chapter of GLSEN or a Gay/Straight Alliance. If you believe your child is in physical danger, do whatever it takes to keep him or her safe. Drive them to school, keep them home from school till the issue is resolved or move them to another school. Contact your child’s school to discuss the bullying, but be aware that your child may not be ‘out’ at school. Don’t compromise his or her confidentiality. Support community diversity efforts. If the incidents escalate, keep in mind that harassment because of sexual identity or preference is a crime. If the response from the school is unsatisfactory, you have grounds to pursue a legal case. Support your child.
If You Are Being Bullied: Tell someone. You don’t need to go through this alone. If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered, find supportive people. If there’s no one local, there are internet support groups that can help. Enlist support from friends – but not to fight back. Try not to be alone if you’re afraid for your safety. Do not retaliate. It may get you in trouble. Keep a record of the incidents. It will help establish a pattern of bullying and harassment.
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Bully Solutions
