NEA report on the LGBTQ community

NEA report on LGBTQ

Here is a great report on education, discrimination and other unique challenges to the LGBTQ community.

http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/glbtstatus09.pdf

A few great key points I noticed were:

1.       Anti-harassment and bullying policies at schools need to be specific to including gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression

2.       Students who are questioning their sexual orientation/ identity/ expression are more likely to drop out of school than those who identify as LGBT

3.       Transgender students are more likely to be bullied, especially with physical assault

4.       Having a Gay-Straight Alliance helps schools to not only be more inclusive, but for teens to feels safer

5.       Having one adult who cares can dramatically reduce an LGBTQ teens chances of dropping out of school

6.       All adults need to address bullying and derogatory comments, including the WHY part: that it is hurtful,  unacceptable, makes people feel unsafe and it impacts ALL students

7.       School halls need to be monitored and safe places, such as changing areas and restrooms, should be provided

8.        Those who bully/ are homophobic influence their peers, and are also influenced by their peers.

9.       Schools need to follow up with the victims and reassure them that it is not their fault, regardless of their sexual identity/orientation/expression

I hope we all can take the time to read this great report and learn something new to better empower our youth and protect their civil rights!