LGBTQ Kids

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Living as a LGBTQ Youth

LGBTQ’S that who self-identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) report having been bullied while in school. The LGBTQ have a high increased risk of being bullied. The study showed that more LGB students than heterosexual students reported not going to school because they are in fear of some safety concerns. Being Bullied puts youth at an increased risk for suicidal ideation, depression, misuse of alcohol. Being a LGBTQ youth, makes that risk even higher.

Coming “out” or just being perceived as being LGBTQ, can put some any youth at risk!  

Building a Safe Environment for the LGBTQ Youth

It’s important to always  build a safe environment for all youth, whether they are LGBTQ or not.  All youth will thrive when they know they are being  supported by their families, and communities. Especially when they are rejected by many.

  • Accept LBGTQ youth as they are, regardless of how they identify, reveal, or conceal their sexual identity.
  • Making sure there’s a safe place for them when feeling emotional. 
  • Never Judge
  • Allow them to express their sexual identity without disclosing it.
  • Create Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs). GSAs help create safer schools. Schools must allow these groups if they have other “non-curricular” clubs or groups. Learn more about the right to form a GSA under the Equal Access Act. 

Additional Resources

Read more about federal civil rights laws. 

Many states protect against bullying because of sexual orientation in their state laws.

  • 10% were threatened or injured with a weapon on school property
  • 34% were bullied on school property
  • 28% were bullied electronically
  • 18% of LGB students had experienced physical dating violence
  • 18% of LGB students had been forced to have sexual intercourse at some point in their lives.