RUNNING HEAD: TEACHER SUPPORT OF LGBT STUDENTS

Literature Review: Supporting Bullied LGBT Students

In support of Domain F; TPE12,
In partial fulfillment of' TED 690
Prof. Shepherd
7/16/16

RUNNING HEAD: TEACHER SUPPORT OF LGBT STUDENTS

Michael Bratsis in his article "Supporting Bullied LGBT Students" (2015) cites
many studies illuminating the social and emotional challenges of students who
identify as LGBT.
"Cyberbullying victimization is about twice as high among (LGBT)
youth, who are also more likely that heterosexuals to be victimized in
school settings". "Over 80% of 8,584 LGBT students included in the
2011 National School Climate Survey reported being verbally
harassed because of their sexual orientation, over two-thirds felt
unsafe because of their sexual orientation, and over half reported
hearing homophobic comments from school staff".
These statistics indicate that school settings are prime opportunities for the
"otherizing" of the LGBT community. Because of the reach of social networking,
the reach of harassment is further and more anonymous. It's more important than
ever for teachers to be a lifeline against social ousting. Teachers should create a
climate of inclusion and be a model of inclusive language and behavior.
"Supportive school personnel are crucial to the coping of these youth," says an
article cited by Bratsis. It is statistically noted that when LGBT students lack
emotional support they are far more likely to resort to self-injurious behavior,
depression, and suicide (attempts). Teacher and school support makes a difference
between "students identifying as a survivor or as a victim of bullying".

RUNNING HEAD: TEACHER SUPPORT OF LGBT STUDENTS

Although statistics indicate that LGBT youth are more likely to suffer at the
hands of bullying, there have been no state or federal guidelines set for a
standardized curriculum response. However in 2013 the U.S. Department of
Education sent "letters and guidelines to schools" indicating that reports of
harassment against LGBT students should be "investigated and resolved [as]in
all complaints involving sex-based harassment." Since the publishing of this article
President Obama has made formal appeals to young Americans to respect all
people regardless of factors that may seem divisive including sexual identification.
And laws have changed to allow restroom choices and freedoms for transgender
Americans and students. In a landmark decision last week the State Board of
Education here in California adopted a curriculum including LGBT history. We
are making strides in acceptance and tolerance. I think this is wonderful as a
mother of the future.
The author continues in the article to offer resources for supporting LGBT
students. He encourages on-campus resources for LGBT students, resources such
as counselors, mentoring clubs, or organizations that are supported by school
culture. As educators we have another contribution to make to the future in
modeling openness, friendship, acceptance, and tolerance of all people. Inclusion,

RUNNING HEAD: TEACHER SUPPORT OF LGBT STUDENTS

at the very least, is about everyone and begins by opening the circle, listening, and
trying to understand. At the most it is the solution to all human conflict.
References
Bratsis, M. E. (2015). Supporting bullied LGBT students. The Science Teacher, 82(9), 12.
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