How Are LGBT Youths Affected By Discrimination And What Can Schools Do To Help?

This essay illustrates how discrimination leads youths to drop out of high school and, more importantly, increases in suicide and substance abuse.

Summary

This paper will focus on the various types of discrimination LGBT youths face and their effects. The paper will detail the serious consequences of discrimination on LGBT youths, as well as the lack of guidance and support. In the paper, the schools and parents will be discussed in order to minimize discrimination against LGBT teens. This paper will encourage parents and schools alike to support and accept LGBT students and not increase discrimination. It will decrease high school dropout and youth suicide rates. This research paper aims to examine the effects of discrimination on LGBT youths and explore the various options that parents and schools can take to ensure these youths have a happy and normal life. My target audience is, therefore, the school system and parents who are LGBT youths.

Suicide is a leading cause demise among lesbian and gay youths. The suicide attempt rate of gay and lesbian youth is 2-6 times higher than that of heterosexual youth. Gay and lesbian teens account for 30% of all teenage suicides. . . . Lesbians and gays are more at risk for drug and alcohol abuse than heterosexuals. Around 30% of gay and lesbian males have alcohol problems. Lesbian and gay youth are more likely to fail school than heterosexual kids. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 1989.

A significant proportion of homosexuals use marijuana, cocaine and alcohol in greater amounts than the general population. McKirnan & Peterson (McKirnan & Peterson), 1989.

About 28% drop out of high schools because they feel uncomfortable due to abuse verbal or physical. (Remafedi 1987, as cited by “Today’s Gay Youth,” n.p.

Fear of physical harm and name-calling is the main reason gay and lesbian youth feel uncomfortable. (Eversole n.d. cited as “Today’s Gay Youth,” n.p.

Many people have committed discrimination against LGBT youths. LGBT youths face discrimination daily from their peers, society, family, school teachers, and administrators. These statistics show that LGBT youths face discrimination from society, peers, family, and school teachers. Cole (2007) states that LGBT youths are more likely to be neglected, abused, or discriminated against than straight youths. Most parents would prefer their children be straight, rather than gay. School officials prefer straight students to gay students. This could contribute to discrimination against LGBT youths. This paper is intended to be read by parents and schools, in order to change their perceptions about LGBT youth. The paper will answer the following fundamental questions: What is the impact of discrimination on LGBT youths? What role do parents play? What role do schools play? How can parents, schools and youths be able to work together to prevent discrimination? What can we do more? Before I answer those questions, let me address the discrimination LGBT youths face.

Different types of discrimination

Among the most common comments LGBT youths hear are: “I hate homosexuals.” They should be expelled from this country. “These queers make me shiver. Those are just a few biased statements LBGT young people are exposed to in society. Cole (2007) reports that LGBT youths are regularly terrorized by their gay peers. In order to convey something stupid or uncool, words such “gay”, “faggot” and “gay”, may be used in a sexist sense (Human Rights Watch, 2001, page 35). This is a sign that LGBT youths are being discriminated against more. These words are used not only in real life, but also on TV and movies. This makes it more difficult for LGBT youth to cope with. LGBT youths face discrimination not only from society, but also from their families and schools.

“Today’s Gay Youth, The Ugly And Frightening Stats” (n.d.
According to a ) report, approximately half of LGBT teens are left behind by their parents for their sexual preference. And 25% are forced from their homes. Cole (2007) says that LGBT youths who have been rejected are not taught how to form relationships with family members or peers. This can cause them to feel isolated and lonely. Many parents abuse LGBT youths, verbally or physically. (Today’s Gay Youth, n.d.). A further 40% of homeless youth are considered LGBT youths. According to the same article, 27% of gay and bisexual male teens left their home because they had a dispute with their families. It is obvious that discrimination against LGBT youths has a significant impact on their families and parents.

It seems that most of the discrimination against LGBT teens comes from schools. Schools are taking steps to reduce discrimination against LGBT students. What can schools do to support these teens? Here’s an example of how schools could help LGBT youths.

I got a call form a 16-year-old boy who wanted to speak with me. He had only told his California friend. The counselor replied, “I cannot help you with that.” The counselor called his mum to ensure he knew. The youth was shocked to learn that he was being outed by his parents when he returned home. As he was sitting at the table, his mother informed him that he had received a phone call from the school counselor. His family won’t allow any gay children to be in their home. His father beat him outside. (as per Human Rights Watch, 2001 p.106).

Human Rights Watch (2001), also reported that the youth was harassed and bullied by his peers after they discovered his sexuality. He tried to commit suicide but was saved by a relative who lived in another state (p. 106). The sixteen-year old student was not supported by his school guidance counselor nor his parents, as he is referred to in the above quote. He could not get any support or guidance from his parents or school. What are the alternatives? This is an example of a global problem where LGBT youths do not feel at ease with their gender at home and school. Their only option is often a negative one. Some of the alternatives they have are suicide, substance abuse, violence, or depression.

Discrimination and its effects

LGBT youths suffer from hostile verbal, and sometimes physical harassment. Human Rights Watch (2001) says that, although youths who were interviewed expressed their fear of sexual and physical assault, they are still subject to verbal and physical harassment (p. 35).

One gay young man, who had dropped out from honors college, protested angrily. He explained that he was told “that’s gay” to mean “that’s stupid” by teachers at his school. (Human Rights Watch. 2001. P. 35).

High school dropouts of LGBT youths exceed 25% due to discrimination in school environments (“Today’s Gay Youth,” n.d.). This article states that LGBT youths are more likely to fail academically than heterosexual students. As school is not conducive for learning, students don’t take part in activities or are dedicated to school’s goals. LGBT youths, therefore, attempt to live and work with the constant fear that they will be physically assaulted at school (“Today’s Gay Youth,” n.d.).

Disregarded harassment often leads to physical abuse of LGBT youths. Human Rights Watch, 2001, page 42. Human Rights Watch (2001, p. 42) states that LGBT youths reported numerous physical assaults. This was due to constant verbal and other harassment that was not noticed by school officials. A lesbian student said that she experienced harassment and threats for several months before they became physical abuse. “I was slapped in the head with an ice-scraper. She claimed that she was now so used of being harassed. “I didn’t even look around to see who it were'” (Human Rights Watch p. 42, 2001).
Human Rights Watch (2001), cites another incident in which a tenth-grade gay teenager was hit in the neck by a beer bottle. The youth had to crawl to his nearest friend for help. Two anti-gay boys beat him in seventh grade. Another gay youth was subject to verbal attack and had items thrown at him. Then, anti-gay students strangled him using a drafting tape so severe it nearly cut his throat. His classmates later dragged him down a flight stairs and had him cut with knives (Human Rights Watch 2001, p. 42). He survived to tell the tale.

Human Rights Watch (2001), states that LGBT youths have become accustomed to physical and verbal violence. But, it can be damaging to their psychological health (p. Human Rights Watch (2001), a survey of LGBT youths, found signs of depression in many of them. One case involved a gay teenager who couldn’t bear it any longer. To avoid being harassed, he decided to quit school. He stayed home during the day and missed fifty-six school days. He explained that it was physically and mentally stressful for him to attend the school. I can recall going home after the harassment and waking up every morning dreading returning to school. Other youths said that harassment even when it wasn’t directed at them was still an issue. One youth said that harassment and discrimination make him feel trapped and makes it difficult to breathe (Human Rights Watch 2001, p.69). It’s no surprise that LGBT youth resort to suicide, drugs, and alcohol.

Cole (2007) states that discrimination against LGBT youths could lead to repression in addition to a lack of natural growth. They also experience emotional and social stigmatization. LGBT youths hide behind the walls and are less likely to be socially connected than they are. They may become lonely and succumb to depression. LGBT youths are more susceptible to substance abuse and drinking than heterosexual teens (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 1990, cited by “Today’s Gay Youth,” 1999). A large proportion of LGBT youths are also addicted to alcohol or drugs. Human Rights Watch (2001) interviewed LGBT youths about their drinking habits. They said that they drink until it is impossible to breathe or make themselves feel normal. Sometimes, they feel lost and hopeless.

Parents’ Roles

50% of all lesbian and gay youths claim that their parents are against them because they are sexually orientated. A study of gay and bisexual male teens found that 27% of them moved out of their home due to conflict with their families. (Remafedi. 1987. See “Today’s Gay Youth,” n.p.

26% of lesbian and gay youth have to leave their home due to conflicts over sexual orientation. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 1989.

Studying 194 lesbian and homosexual youth, 25% reported being verbally abused or threatened by their parents. Nearly 10% of the respondents were dealing with actual or threatened violence. (D’Augelli & Associates 1997, as cited at “Today’s Gay Youth,” n.p.

Around 40% of homeless youths have been identified as gay, bisexual or lesbian. (Eversole n.d. cited as “Today’s Gay Youth,” n.p.

According to service providers, gay and lesbian youths represent 20-40% in urban areas. (National Network of Runaway and Youth Services. 1991. See “Today’s Gay Youth” n.p.

It seems that LGBT youths are also affected by the absence of support, guidance, and protection from their family. Maybe if LGBT youths had more support from their families, suicide and depression rates would be slightly lower. Parents should embrace their children, regardless of their sexual orientation. My belief is that the primary source of guidance and support for adolescents should be their family. If parents reject their gay/lesbian child, it could lead to failure. These are the times when teens need the support and love of their parents the most. It is also evident that LGBT youths are more likely to be depressed and suicide-prone if they don’t receive the support and love that they need from their parents.
Parents of LGBT youths need to take the time to consider the situation before making any wrong decisions.

Parents or relatives of youths could show support by intervening with schools or making an effort like the mother in these quotes:

Ms. Cooper explained that teachers, superintendents and principals kept trying to persuade her to allow her son through this. “But this should not be the case, regardless of whether a child is gay or straight. It is unacceptable when bullying reaches the stage where a child would rather give up his education and leave school. (Browman, 2001, p. 3)

The parent in the above example was supportive of her son’s homosexuality, while school officials were not. Like other schools, they chose not to acknowledge that the student who is gay was being bullied. As I mentioned, schools’ responses can also lead to depression in LGBT youths.

Schools: Roles

Archer, 2002, at n.p. Archer stresses that educators must address discrimination and create safe environments for gay students. Browman (2001), talks about how administrators and school teachers have failed to pay attention to harassment and discrimination against gay people. Browman, 2001 acknowledges the educational consequences of bullying at school for LGBT youths. An interesting fact was highlighted in this article. Students who make racial comments at school get punished. Why is it acceptable to use words like “fag,” ‘dyke, or “queer?” Does that mean they are equal to racial comments or discrimination? According to Brownman, 2001, discrimination or harassment can be stopped at the verbal level. According to the article, administrators and teachers are often not doing enough to end harassment or discrimination against LGBT teens. They either fear the consequences of prejudice or are even prejudiced (Browman & Associates 2001). This article suggests that students can express their disapproval at harassment and discrimination of LGBT students. As well as anti-harassment guidelines, school conduct codes and discipline policies must be in place.

Browman (2001), reports that Human Rights Watch conducted a two-year study. Immediately after the study, responses were received from educational groups like The National Education Association, The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Educational Alliance, and The American Federation of Teachers. These groups were instrumental in getting the Education Department on board to protect lesbian and gay students from discrimination. The three groups stated that schools are working to provide safe environments for students so they can be treated with dignity and respect. Accordingly, they fight to provide guidance and information to schools in solving the problem.

New York City also tried to solve the problem by opening an All-Gay School. This movement could increase discrimination against LGBT teens, I believe. How can they deal with discrimination from society and their peers if they all attend the same school? How can anti-gay students be taught not to discriminate towards LGBT youths? I don’t believe that LGBT youths should be isolated from the rest of the globe. They are just human beings like us, and should be treated as such. Browman (2001) article states that schools are doing everything they can to eliminate discrimination against LGBT youths.

To sum up,

Schools and parents have the greatest power and ability for LGBT youth to be less discriminated against. My opinion is that they have the greatest impact on LGBT youths. They also have the power to reduce suicides, education failure and substance abuse. Schools and parents need to recognize how they can reduce discrimination against LGBT youths by working together. They can help LGBT youths live normal, happy lives if they stay on the same page.
One option is to offer anti-gay education in schools. This training could be beneficial to both students as well as school officials. It could help school administrators to overcome prejudices that may be held against LGBT youths. Schools should make sure that every student is educated about this subject because they may be unaware of it. Students would be able to understand homosexuality better if it was presented alongside other subjects such as religion and culture. As with any subject, students should have a complete view. This will help two out of ten LGBT students stop discrimination, even if it only helps them. A monthly meeting between parents and school officials to discuss the progress of existing measures should also be considered.

I was not aware of how discrimination would affect LGBT youths. It is horrible to see what these youths go through. Unfortunately, most people don’t even know about it. LGBT youths can be subject to discrimination, torture, even death because of their sexual orientation, gender, or appearance. I believe that sexual identity and gender are integral parts of us and should not be discriminated against or abused. This research helped me to understand the extreme discrimination faced by LGBT youths. It also made a positive impact on my life. I have become more passionate about advocating for LGBT youth protection policies and laws through this research. This process has provided me with a lot of knowledge and information. If my readers get half the information I have, then I feel that I accomplished my goal.