LGBTQ Students: The Importance of Anti-bullying Training

There is no question that LGBTQ youth or those students perceived to be LGBTQ are more likely to be bullied than any other group of students.

82% had problems with bullying during the previous school year.
 64% felt unsafe at school due to sexual orientation.
 44% felt unsafe at school due to gender identification. 
32% did not go to school for at least one day because of feeling unsafe.

American schools remain unsafe for LGBTQ students. What is not often discussed is the impact of this bullying once LGBTQ students leave high school. Because of the constant bullying, many LGBTQ kids drop out of school. Of those who stay in school, LGBTQ kids have lower average GPAs when they graduate. These students are accepted to colleges and universities at much lower rates than the general population.

As LGBTQ students drop out at higher rates and attend college at lower rates, their earning potential is lower. This lower earning potential means LGBTQ poverty rates match those of other oppressed minorities–the “Gay Dollar” is a myth. Those with lower incomes have less access to health care; mental health services and medical care. As a consequence, the LGBTQ community has higher rates of all chronic diseases; smoking; heart disease; breast cancer. The list goes on.

The impact of LGBTQ bullying has life long consequences, not just for individuals but for the entire LGBTQ population.

Schools with supportive, inclusive cultures and broad based anti-bullying programs have LGBTQ students who express a much higher level of safety and satisfaction than LGBTQ students in schools that offer no programming.

If you are interested in anti-bullying training or school culture improvement, please contact O’Grady Solutions kogrady@ogradysolutions.com or call 562.618.0853.