Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Adolescents: When Support Disappears

     The social stigma of homosexuality can create a feeling of confusion, sadness, and hopelessness if a teen does not feel as if their social structure of support is of use for their feelings. As a result, a higher rate of gay teen attempt and commit suicide than their straight peers.  There are many people who are friendly or neutral toward homosexuality, but still hope their kids are straight simply because it seems like the simpler and happier way to be.  Since gay teens only make up roughly 10% of the total population, the actual number of gay teens attempting and committing suicide are higher than their straight peers.  Studies states that gay teenager who feel they can’t find any support and who face constant bullying and teaching begin to experience mental health problems, often leading to depression, and in cases, suicide.

http://www.allpsychologycareers.com/topics/gay-teens-and-depression.html

Gay Adolescents

     According to a survey conducted by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, nearly 9 out of 10 gay lesbian, transgender or bisexual middle and high schools students suffered physical or verbal harassment. GLB T adolescents face the same developmental task as heterosexual peers, only they face additional challenges that impede on their social and emotional development. Mental and health experts agree that sexual preference is not a conscious choice that a person can change. Research shows that genetic or inborn hormonal factors may influence a person’s sexuality. For many GLBT youth, the process of evolving a secure identity with their sexual orientation can be a long, difficult process.

Concerns that gay teenagers develop

-          Feeling alienated from peers

-          Feelings of guilt stemming from their orientations

-          Worrying about how their parents will respond

-          Experiencing teasing and bullying from peers

-          Discrimination from clubs or sports

-          Experiencing rejection from friends

http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/gay_lesbian_bisexual_teens_facing_challenges_building_resilience

GLBT Youth and Family Support

     GLBT teens who are highly rejected by their parents and caregivers are at very high risk for health and mental health problems when they become young adults.  

     Compared with LGBT young people who were not rejected or were only a little rejected by their parents and caregivers because of their gay or transgender identity, highly rejected LGBT young people were:

-          More than 8 times as likely to have attempted suicide

-          Nearly 6 times as likely to report high levels of depression

-          More than 3 times as likely to use illegal drugs

-          More than 3 times as likely to be at high risk for HIV and STDs.

     Behaviors the parents and family members should avoid:

-          Hitting, slapping or physically hurting your child because of their LGBT identity

-          Verbal harassment or name-calling because of your child’s LGBT identity

-          Excluding LGBT youth from family events and family activities

-          Blocking access to LGBT friends, events, and resources

-          Blaming your child when they are discriminated against because of their LGBT identity

-          Pressuring your child to be more (or less) masculine or feminine

-          Telling your child that God will punish them because they are gay

-          Telling your child that you are ashamed of them or that how they look or act will shame the family

-          Making your child keep their LGBT identity a secret in the family and not letting them talk about their identity with others

Behaviors that help:

-          Talk with your child or foster child about their LGBT identity.

-          Express affection when your child tells you or when you learn that your child is LGBT.

-          Support your child’s LGBT identity even though you may feel uncomfortable.

-          Advocate for your child when he or she is mistreated because of their LGBT identity.

-          Require that other family members respect your LGBT child.

-          Bring your child to LGBT organizations or events.

-          Connect your child with an LGBT adult role model to show them options for the future.

-          Work to make your congregation supportive of LGBT members, or find a supportive faith community that welcomes your family and LGBT child.

-          Welcome your child’s LGBT friends & partner to your home and to family events and activities.

-          Support your child’s gender expression.

-          Believe your child can have a happy future as an LGBT adult.

http://nccc.georgetown.edu/documents/LGBT_Brief.pdf

Supportive Families Make a Difference for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth http://ncfy.acf.hhs.gov/tools/exchange/serving-sexual-minority-youth-with-open-arms/supportive-families

Strategies to prevent bullying of GLBT students (Peer support)

     GLBT students are at an increase risk of being bullied. Ways to prevent bullying and increase peer support are:

-          Build strong connections and keep the lines of communication open. Some LGBT youth often feel rejected. It is important for them to know that their families, friends, schools, and communities support them.

-          Establish a safe environment at school. Schools can send a message that no one should be treated differently because they are, or are perceived to be, LGBT. Sexual orientation and gender identity protection can be added to school policies. 

-          Create gay-straight alliances (GSAs). GSAs help create safer schools. Schools must allow these groups if they have other “non-curricular” clubs or groups. Learn more about the right to form a GSA under the Equal Access Act. 

-          Protect privacy. Be careful not to disclose or discuss issues around being LGBT with parents or anyone else. 

-         

http://www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/groups/lgbt/#creating

How educators can improve school experience of LGBT youth

     If GLBT students are not gaining support for family or peers, teachers can provide that support in their class room.

-          Create positive school climates for all students

-          Be proactive and visible to LGBT youth- they cannot know they are supported, valued, and appreciated, if the adults in the buildings aren’t there to tell them so. 

-          Understand student mental health issues. Everyone can play a role here; not only school counselors or nurses, but teachers and administrators that can identify warning signs, like sudden changes in behavior.

-          And importantly – they are not alone. While educators play a critical role in providing support to LGBT youth, they can build partnerships with local health and mental health agencies, community based organizations, and child welfare. And, there are federal resources to provide guidance and information on how to make schools safe, supportive, and inclusive.

http://www.ed.gov/blog/2013/02/ensuring-safe-schools-for-lgbt-youth/

Tempest's rocky road to gain support and acceptance: http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/06/10/lgbt.acceptance/index.html 

    Discussion questions:

-          How would you create an environment in your classroom that supports GLBT students?

-          What steps would you take after looking at the strategies above to eliminate bullying of GLBT students?

-          How would you respond to parents who aren't supportive of their child’s sexual orientation?