Concerns about LGBT issues in America often focus on things such as the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the latest Republican attack on LGBT civil rights, or grassroots campaigns to achieve marriage equality. However, rarely do issues concerning LGBT youth garner much national attention, except following a tragedy, such as the string of suicides by gay youths last year.
Anti-LGBT bullying is a serious issue in this nation. According to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, GLSEN, 90% of LGBT students report being bullied at school due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This ranges from threats to actual beatings, and, in some drastic cases, murder. Three-fourths report hearing homophobic slurs (f*ggt, d*ke) on a regular basis, and 30% missed a day of class in the past month due to safety concerns. Perhaps not surprising after reading that, LGBT teens are up to 300 times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual peers.
"Homophobic bullying is not like other types of bullying," the report says. "If a student is bullied based on race, religion, their weight etc., they can run home to an understanding (often relatable) parent/family who understands their pain and can console them. Gay youth do not have that refuge as they 1) are usually not out to themselves yet, and 2) fear being thrown out of their homes and family. This pent up frustration, hurt and anger eventually leads to what has (sadly) been happening in the media as of late."
Unfortunately, in many cases, the very institutions that are meant to protect students are making matters worse for LGBT students. Take, for example, a 17-year-old male cheerleader who was kicked off the varsity cheerleading squad at his Texas high school, which he had trained for two years to make, and suspended because a security camera caught him kissing another male. The student claims that public displays are common among straight teens at the school, and that he would not have been punished had a camera caught him kissing a female. Or, take Tennessee's "Don't say gay" law, which prohibits teachers from discussing any LGBT issues, effectively preventing them from intervening or protecting students being bullied on the basis of their sexual orientation.
read more at:
http://www.peoplesworld.org/spirit-day-wear-purple-on-thursday-to-support-lgbt-youth/and don't forget to wear Purple on Thursday to help raise awareness of bullying, as well as to raise awareness of LGBT resources!
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