The GLBTQ Youth Experience Based on a presentation by: Heather Carter GLBTQ Project Coordinator

The GLBTQ Experience: 86.2% of GLBT students reported being verbally harassed, 44.1% reported being physically harassed and 22.1% reported being physically assaulted at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation. (GLSEN 2007) 60.8% of GLBT students reported that they felt unsafe in school because of their sexual orientation (GLSEN 2007) 20-40% of homeless youth identify as GLB (National Runaway Switchboard)

The GLBTQ Experience: Suicide attempts amongst GLBT youth: –35% of GLB youth (avg. 5 YRBS) –54% Trans identified people report at least one suicide attempt (GLMA Journal 2000) –62% of homeless GLB youth report an attempt (Van Leeuwen, 2006) 42% of adolescent lesbians and 34% of gay male youth who have suffered a physical attack also report an attempted suicide. (GLSEN 2003) New Middle School Research: data/GLSEN_ATTACHMENTS/file/000/001/ pdf

The GLBTQ Experience: Homophobia Prejudice Discrimination

Risk Factors For Youth Family History of Cognitive impairments Disability Chronic illness Mental illness Puberty Family conflict Victimization experiences Bullying Harassment Expectations: of school, family, & self Break up Rejection: by family & peers Negative coming out experience Homophobia Heterosexism Inaccessible GLBT friendly service providers Depression Negative self talk Poor distress tolerance Poor Resiliency Previous attempt Anxiety Internalized: Homophobia & transphobia Overwhelming stressors/distress Internal conflict Failure to see the good in the world Feelings of hopelessness “The world will never be a safe place for gay people” BIOLOGICALSOCIOLOGICALPSYCHOLOGICALEXISTENTIAL

Protective Factors for Youth GLB youth report lower levels of each of the following “protective factors” against suicide: Adult caring: Staff/volunteers Parental support (of sexuality/gender identification) High self-esteem Positive role models (mentors) Family connectedness School safety Access to effective care

Increase Support For Youth Knowledge of GLBT issues Aware of & condemns heterosexism & discrimination Models appreciation for ALL youth Maintains confidentiality Unconditional support of child's identity Access to safe health care Ensure that school is safe & welcoming Educate self about issues facing child Lets child take lead in coming out process Seeks resources of GLBT issues Appropriate response to issues if they come up Explicit policies that prohibit ALL discrimination Trains all staff about GLBT issues Offers programs for ALL types of families Establishes a welcoming environment All forms inclusive Staff/volunteers representative of GLBT community Welcoming environment Obvious “safe zone” programs (GSA) Trains all staff about GLBT issues Curricula is inclusive of GLBT issues & people Staff are representative of GLBT comm. Easily available & accurate information Inclusive forms Appropriate response to bullying & harassment INDIVIDUALSFAMILIESPROVIDERSSCHOOLS

What you can do… Network with local and national services and organizations Encourage and facilitate GSAs Support unaccompanied youth in enrolling for food stamps, health insurance, college scholarships and employment services (SYEP!) What does your office look like? Your building? Train staff, use student “exit projects” Encourage “youth voice” projects Advocate!

Resources for Schools/Youth Crisis line: Talk (8255) GLBTQ Youth specific (24hr) : U-Trevor ( ) GLBT National Youth Hotline (Mon – Fri ): Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities: Outforequity.spps.org Out for Equity-a model program in Minnesota Public Schools

Resources for Youth-Serving Professionals Gay Straight Alliance Network: PFLAG: support groups, education and advocacy for families and friends of LGBT persons. Find local meetings at Camp Ten Trees: Camp for LGBT kids and kids with LGBT parents Scholarships (Western states): p-funds/ p-funds/ Schools and youth program at the ACLU

That’s so Gay! YKOs3yshttp:// YKOs3ys qLw_B8&feature=relatedhttp:// qLw_B8&feature=related

Any questions or concerns? ext.1662 Thank you so much for the work you do for youth!