LGBTQ Youth School Experiences: Am I Safe?
Presenter Name(s)
Dr. Cedric Cooks, LPC, NCC, NCSC
Target Audience
Secondary
Abstract
In the last decade, there have been great strides made in LGBT rights; however, change can come very slowly to the LGBTQ youth in our nation schools. Unforunately, LGBTQ students continue to experience widespread discrimination and harrassment in school which threatens their psychological well-being and impedes their educational outcomes. LGBTQ youth continue to report that they don't feel safe in school or supported by adults. Implementing appropriate resources are highly important and effective in changing the school climate for LGBTQ youth.
Description
Program Content: Participants attending this session will have an opportunity to increase their advocacy for LGBTQ youth. Participants will learn about resources and how to implement these resources in their schools. These resources can be used with students and staff members to help reduce discrimination, harrassment and bullying in the school environment with LGBTQ youth. LGBTQ youth have reported feeling unsafe in school climates, hearing biased language from students and educators, and having their psychological well-being and educational endeavors suffer as a result of hostile school climates.
School-based supports such as comprehensive anti-bullying/harassment policies, school personnel who are supportive of LGBTQ students, Gay-Straight Alliances, and LGBT-inclusive curricular resources can positively affect school climate for LGBTQ students. When these resources and support systems are in place, positive school experiences, including lower victimization and absenteeism and higher academic achievement will follow. It is critical that counselors in collaboration with school leaders, education policymakers, and other individuals who are obligated to provide safe learning environments for all students take the following steps:
• Implement comprehensive school anti-bullying/harassment policies
• Support Gay-Straight Alliances
• Provide professional development for school staff on LGBTQ student issues
• Increase student access to LGBT-inclusive curricular resources.
These actions can move us toward a future in which all students will have the opportunity to learn and succeed in school, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
We will examine where Georgia currently stands as it relates to providing safe and positive school environments for LGBTQ youth.