LGBTQ+ Children Need Our Help

     Man Holding a Child in LGBTQ+ Parade

By Daniela Pena  November 17 2022 at 7:49pm 

Young members of the LGBTQ+ community have fallen victim to suicide at much higher rates than other teenagers. Every 45 seconds, an LGBTQ+ identifying teenager attempts to take their life; and every year, over 1.8 million adolescents have seriously considered doing the same. Any child can be a victim of this harsh reality. As of 2021, approximately 20 million Americans were reported to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, not accounting for the individuals that were not surveyed. This means that it is very likely that someone you know identifies as LGBTQ+; could be your own child or grandchild. Although your views might not align with LGBTQ+ youth, the safety of your grandchildren should be a top priority. 

Many oppose homosexuality and believe it should be abolished entirely, or that exposure to the 'LGBTQ+ agenda' could cloud the minds of 'normal' teenagers. Despite the many different viewpoints, one thing is clear: LGBTQ+-identifying adolescents are living much more difficult lives than everyone else. Ignoring the hardships these young adults face is harmful to the individual and to a community; or even your own family. In regards to exposure, a person is incapable of simply 'turning gay'. According to a trusted healthcare provider, "You also can't 'turn' a person gay. For example, exposing a boy to toys traditionally made for girls, likes dolls, won't cause him to be gay." The same applies to LGBTQ+-friendly schools; heterosexual teenagers will not 'switch sides' if 'exposed' to a different lifestyle. Their sexual/romantic preferences will continue to stay the same. 

  

Heterosexuality, defined as a person attracted to the opposite sex, is normalized in all aspects of society. This leads to a lack of inclusivity for LGBTQ+ youth in many social environments, specifically in schools. As schools are secondary homes for teenagers, schools must create safe and welcoming environments for these students. Lack of inclusivity results in high suicide rates among LGBTQ+ students due to a lack of parental and societal acceptance. A study reports that only 55% of LGBTQ+ youth have LGBTQ+-affirming school spaces, and only one-third are accepted in their own homes. Research has shown that lack of acceptance makes LGBTQ+ youth 12 times more likely to take their life, and 8 times more likely to suffer from depression. 

Besides a lack of acceptance, factors such as verbal and physical harassment have pushed LGBTQ+ students to their breaking point. More than half of LGBTQ+ youth report schools as unsafe environments due to their sexual orientation, with 37% feeling unsafe for their gender expression. And it is true that schools are unsafe for the sexual minority, approximately 60% of LGBTQ+ identifying teenagers have reported being punched and even attacked with weapons. Having to frequently experience any form of assault, LGBTQ+ youth find answers in ending their lives. 

LGBTQ+ students are overlooked in many, if not, all aspects of a school environment. LGBTQ+ teenagers that have experienced interpersonal violence are prone to be ignored by their peers. In this instance, interpersonal violence refers to violence experienced in romantic relationships and bullying by peers. Dr. Waterman conducted a study to measure the difference in bystanders witnessing interpersonal violence in heterosexual and homosexual students. The study identified different types of violence such as sexual harassment, inappropriate or sexual language, and stalking. The findings suggest that homosexual adolescents who experienced any of the measured items were often ignored and left to their own devices. Bystanders rarely intervened with LGBTQ+-related violence in comparison to violence experienced by heterosexual students. According to Waterman, "Urgent needs exist for interventions that are effective for sexual minority adolescents". Evidently, other students are turning a blind eye to LGBTQ+ youth, allowing interpersonal violence to worsen while simultaneously making LGBTQ+ students feel unwelcome. 

Creating LGBTQ+-safe environments is not as difficult as it might appear. Simple actions such as support groups and designated rooms could greatly benefit LGBTQ+ students. Designated rooms could be used to hold the support groups and as hangout spots for these adolescents if they ever feel unsafe. Additionally, including LGBTQ+ safety in the school's mission statement is a great way to directly welcome these students and to generally establish an inclusive environment. This could potentially minimize bullying since it delivers the message that LGBTQ+ students are a protected group, and violence towards these students (like any other students) is punishable. 

 

LGBTQ+ youth are experiencing a social disconnect from their peers due to cultural and religious stigmas against the community, resulting in high suicide rates, depression, bullying, and plain ignorance. Schools have become unsafe environments where LGBTQ+ identifying students feel unwelcome and are being physically and verbally harassed. It is unfortunate to witness the levels of discrimination against the sexual minority rise and to watch a loving community crumble. The LGBTQ+ community is only growing, meaning the time to invoke change is now. Schools need to begin addressing the needs and safety of LGBTQ+ students and punish violence against this minority. Making a difference is not difficult and can be achieved quickly. It is time LGBTQ+ students wake up feeling excited to attend schools and feel part of a community, rather than fearing for their safety every passing day. 

Tags: LGBTQ+, Schools, Teen Suicide, Student Safety