120 likes | 210 Views
The GLBTQ Youth Experience. Based on a presentation by: Heather Carter GLBTQ Project Coordinator www.yspp.org www.safeschoolscoalition.org. The GLBTQ Experience:. 86.2% of GLBT students reported being verbally harassed, 44.1% reported being physically harassed and
E N D
The GLBTQ Youth Experience Based on a presentation by: Heather Carter GLBTQ Project Coordinator www.yspp.org www.safeschoolscoalition.org
The GLBTQ Experience: • 86.2% of GLBT students reported being verbally harassed, • 44.1% reported being physically harassed and • 22.1% reported being physically assaulted at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation. (GLSEN 2007) • 60.8% of GLBT students reported that they felt unsafe in school because of their sexual orientation(GLSEN 2007) • 20-40% of homeless youth identifyas GLB (National Runaway Switchboard)
The GLBTQ Experience: • Suicide attempts amongst GLBT youth: • 35% of GLB youth (avg. 5 YRBS) • 54% Trans identified people report at least one suicide attempt (GLMA Journal 2000) • 62% of homeless GLB youth report an attempt (Van Leeuwen, 2006) • 42% of adolescent lesbians and 34% of gay male youth who have suffered a physical attack also report an attempted suicide.(GLSEN 2003) • New Middle School Research: http://www.glsen.org/binary-data/GLSEN_ATTACHMENTS/file/000/001/1475-1.pdf
The GLBTQ Experience: • Homophobia • Prejudice • Discrimination
Protective Factors for Youth • GLB youth report lower levels of each of the following “protective factors” against suicide: • Adult caring: Staff/volunteers • Parental support (of sexuality/gender identification) • High self-esteem • Positive role models (mentors) • Family connectedness • School safety • Access to effective care
What you can do… • Network with local and national services and organizations • Encourage and facilitate GSAs • Support unaccompanied youth in enrolling for food stamps, health insurance, college scholarships and employment services (SYEP!) • What does your office look like? Your building? • Train staff, use student “exit projects” • Encourage “youth voice” projects • Advocate!
Resources for Schools/Youth • Crisis line: 1-800-273-Talk (8255) • GLBTQ Youth specific (24hr) : 1-866-4-U-Trevor (488-7386) • GLBT National Youth Hotline (Mon – Fri ): 1.800.246.7743 • Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities: 1-800-527-7683 • Outforequity.spps.org Out for Equity-a model program in Minnesota Public Schools
Resources for Youth-Serving Professionals • Gay Straight Alliance Network: http://www.glsen.org • PFLAG: support groups, education and advocacy for families and friends of LGBT persons. Find local meetings at www.pflag.org • Camp Ten Trees: Camp for LGBT kids and kids with LGBT parents www.camptentrees.org • Scholarships (Western states):http://www.pridefoundation.org/scholarships/scholarship-funds/ • www.safeschoolscoalition.org • Schools and youth program at the ACLU www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth
That’s so Gay! • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEpBYKOs3ys • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhKLbqLw_B8&feature=related
Any questions or concerns? gabi.ross@evergreenps.org 360.604.3900 ext.1662 Thank you so much for the work you do for youth!