How Teachers Can Help Gay and Lesbian Students

Middle and high school years are some of the most impressionable, and also most traumatic, times for many LGBT students. According to a 2005 Harris Interactive online poll titled "From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America, A Survey of Students and Teachers," LGBT students are three times as likely as non-LGBT students to say that they do not feel safe at school. 65% (or two-thirds) of the 3,400 students surveyed reported that they have been verbally or physically harassed or assaulted during that past school year. The most common reason for harassment was a student’s appearance or body size. The next most common was perceived sexual orientation.

Teachers and educators can play an integral role in creating a safer learning environment for LGBT students and teens. Follow these steps to learn what you can do this school year and beyond to help your LGBT students: How Teachers Can Help Gay and Lesbian Students

Suggested Reading:
Should Gay Kids Be Homeschooled?
Why Ex-Gay Therapy Doesn't Work
Find a LGBT Community Center

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