Gay in School

Should Gay Youth be Homeschooled?

I remember the joy of the school year ending, partly due to the end of homework, but mostly because I wouldn't be called names or harassed as the gay kid in school. As this school year ends, I hear the same sigh of relief from some of the gay kids around me. Let's face it, the increase in violence and harassment in schools has many parents worried, including parents of gay kids. According to the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, 86.7% of LGBTQ youth reported sometimes or frequently hearing homophobic remarks, which is why many New York parents elect to have their kids attend The Harvey Milk School, a high school for queer youth.

So, as this school year ends and parents begin to plan for the upcoming year, I asked homeschooling expert Beverly Hernandez if she thought gay kids would be better off in homeschooling. Here's what Beverly had to say:

"Like all kids, it would depend a lot on the home situation. If a parent can stay home and do the teaching, then yes, they might be better off at home. More attention will need to be given to getting your child together with others, but the beauty of homeschooling is being able to have more control of the social contacts your child makes. By eliminating the threat of violence and ridicule from peers, students can concentrate more on their education and less on survival."

What do you think?

Gay Youth Poll: Should gay kids be homeschooled?

More on Gay Kids in School

• Gay High School


• Is Homeschool for You?


• Gay Homeschoolers Yahoo Group


• Tips for Family & Friends of Gay Men


• PFLAG