Sexual Orientation in Schools

Gay-Straight Alliance Groups

The LGBTQ movement is massive and gaining continued momentum with each passing
day. In todays society you can see signs of both acceptance and intolerance almost everywhere
you go, including in our schools which are directly impacting our youth. Most schools have
established groups known as GSA, Gay-Straight Alliance, clubs that are ran by the students
themselves. These clubs provide a safe place for students to meet, support each other, and talk
about issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. Many have debated if
these clubs are appropriate to be in schools. Here is my opinion on the topic; any group that
fosters an alliance between people, promotes support and the well-being of others, and
establishes self-acceptance, especially in adolescents, should receive two giant thumbs up!
Kids can be cruel, thats certainly true for those who are deemed different and are viewed
as outsiders, those who dont fit societies traditional, albeit outdated, norms. We see it far too
often in the news and on social media. Those brave enough to disclose their sexual orientation to
friends, family, peers and society are sometimes met with hostility, hate and even violence. In a
nationally representative sample of nearly 3,500 students ages thirteen to eighteen, one-third
reported that students in their school are frequently harassed because of their perceived or actual
sexual orientation (Condayan 2002). Most teens, about 78%, said that they disapproved of antigay teasing or bullying (NMHA 2002). This prevalence of teens acknowledging inappropriate
behavior directed towards their peers makes the need for a group supporting LGBTQ even more
necessary. Regardless of their sexual orientation its our jobs, as adults and educators, to not only
protect these childrens emotional and physical well-being but the well-being of their education.
According to GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) 90% of LGBTQ
students hear anti-LGBTQ comments in school with an average of 26 anti-LGBTQ slurs per day.
Even more astonishing is that one-third of these slurs come from a school staff member
(GLSEN). The consequences of physical and verbal abuse directed toward LGBTQ students can
include truancy, dropping out of school, poor grades, and/or having to repeat a grade. In one
study, 28% of LGBTQ youth dropped out of school due to peer harassment (GLSEN).

Now the questions presented is, should high schools provide the facilities and forum for
groups of this nature? The answer, in my opinion, is a resounding yes. Schools provide after
school activities for a variety of students; Seminary for those with religious affiliations, support
groups for students who are struggling, study groups etc. What do all these groups have in
common? They are all for the benefit of the children. They encourage children to work in unison,
to collaborate with one another, support and depend on one another, foster relationships with one
another and come together in a united cause. These groups provide great solace and opportunities
to form lasting bonds that can sustain their self-esteem for years to come. Indeed, these groups
have several benefits.
However, a word of caution needs to be acknowledged when it comes to the fine line that
teachers and administrators should be wary not to cross. Speaking as a parent, I dont think it
would be appropriate for teachers to interject commentary on their own personal lives. Although
I am an advocate of teachers and administrators supporting LGBTQ youth I am also, first and
foremost, a parent and the idea of a teacher imposing their own personal views on my children
doesnt sit well with me. I dont mean to imply that its not acceptable for teachers to be open
about their sexual orientation but rather to suggest being vigilant when treading the lines of
education and ones personal life. I believe that its the teachers responsibility to guide students
in a positive direction that assists them in reaching their full academic potential. These GSA
groups should be focused on inner acceptance, coping skills to face a society that harbors
considerable hostility toward them (APA 2012), strategies to ensure their own academic and
personal growth and camaraderie to support others in similar situations. Our youth is our future.
Let us all ensure that they receive the best possible start and welcome them into this world with
accepting arms.

References
APA; American Psychological Association 2012; Bolton & Sareen, 2011; Kuyper & Fokkema,
2011b
Condayan, Chris 2002b. "National Survey of Teens Shows Anti-Gay Bullying Common in
Schools." www1.nmha.org/newsroom/system/news.vw.cfm?do=vw&rid=474.
Crooks, Robert and Baur, Karla. Our Sexuality 12th Edition
DeVoe, J. F., K. Peter, P. Kaufman, A. Miller, M. Noonan, T. D. Snyder, and K. Baum. 2004.
Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2004 (NCES 2005-002/NCJ 205290). U.S.
Departments of Education and Justice. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing
Office. Available online at http://nces.ed.gov.
GLSEN; Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network. LGBT Youth Facts/Statistics.
http://www.endabusewi.org/sites/default/files/resources/lgbt_youth_facts_and_stats.pdf
NMHA; National Mental Health Association. 2002a. "Bullying in Schools: Harassment Puts Gay
Youth at Risk." www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/children-s-mentalhealth/bullying-and-gay-youth.