Some parents and other community members may genuinely support discussions related to homophobia and issues affecting LGBT students. They may support, for example, the formation of a “Gay/Straight Alliance in their school. Others, however, have organized locally and nationwide to obstruct these important discussions on campus. There are some strategies to help lessen this resistance:\ School administrators can use the […]

Students — some of whom may be dealing with their own feelings about relationships, sex, love, and identity in volatile ways — are likely to respond “energetically to these issues. Many students tend to use the topic of homophobia as a vehicle to ask all kinds of questions about sex, probably because there are few avenues available for them to […]

Some school administrators, school board members, and other staff and faculty have been true leaders in addressing issues of safety for LGBT students and staff. Others, however, may not share this enthusiasm or be downright hostile to your efforts. Many times they have either totally rejected any proposal, if one needs to be submitted, or have needed to be convinced […]

Other school-based groups interested in civil and human rights issues. Supportive faculty, administrators, and staff (guidance counselors, social workers, nurses, librarians, cafeteria and maintenance staff, etc.). Supportive community individuals and groups such as community-based LGBT support groups, local PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), religious, legal, and business organizations, etc. Local colleges with “diversity, “multicultural, or “social […]

ssues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and staff have largely been ignored or pushed aside in the schools. There are numerous social taboos surrounding issues of sexuality and LGBT issues in particular. Bringing these issues into the spotlight may make some people anxious. Myths may replace facts, fears may overshadow professional responsibility. This paper looks at some […]