As legislation targeting discussions about sex, gender identity and LGBTQ issues in schools has spread across the country, 15 -year -old Jaime Lauriano and his peers in Arizona are feeling the pinch. fear, discouragement and confusion.
As president of his school’s GSA, or Student Alliance for Equality, Lauriano said he often raises questions about the club’s future, especially in the midst of a recent state bill. requires the police officer to be allowed to participate in groups of students that involve sex, gender or gender.
For many, the GSA is one of the opportunities for students to feel and be able to fully express their gender and sexuality, she said.
Her friends look to her for guidance, but Lauriano, a high school sophomore, is equally worried about the group’s future.
“We tried to promote our club to be a safe haven, a place where students can hang out, talk to each other and feel like they are there with their community,” he said. Lauriano told USA TODAY. “But when things like this happen, it really destroys the idea, and it scares the students.”
Across the country, students are looking down at the barrel of bills related to sexual conversations, gender identity and LGBTQ -related issues in the classroom, becoming more aware through time recent “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida. Even the possibility of passing these bills has provoked frustration, confusion and feelings of hopelessness among LGBTQ youth across the US, several high school students told USA TODAY.
The Florida bill, officially known as Parental Rights to Education, restricts discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in schools. second. Since being signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced legislation this spring, which has more than two dozen bills aimed at banning discussions on LGBTQ issues nationwide.
The law concerns students that only schools can speak openly about LGBTQ issues.
In Arizona, the bill requiring permission for students to participate in groups that involve sex and gender, HB 2011, is currently being appointed to a committee. It cites a repealed law, which protesters have called “no promo homo,” to ban sex education in schools. the government which promotes a “sexual status.”
Legislation makes students ‘feel like they’re alone’
Rayne Duncan, 17, a senior in Arizona, works with a high school leadership development program called the GLSEN SHINE team, which helps four students. organize GSAs and broadcast reserves in their schools through leadership training. Duncan, who is not a father, is also the president of their school GSA.
“I think it’s very important for (students) to have safe opportunities, that’s why we have GSAs and that’s why we have leaders to make sure GSAs are running smoothly and it’s a safe place for people go there, “USA TODAY said.” If there’s a place in their school that they can go to after school and make a community, they don’t feel isolated. ” .
USA TODAY talks with 10 students who are exposing themselves to the LGBTQ community in states that set similar rules. They shared their feelings of anger and resentment that these opportunities were risky and that their conversations might be guarded. They also said they fear discrimination and are concerned about the difficulties that may come for them and their peers.
“It makes students feel alone,” Lauriano says. “It makes us afraid, it makes us afraid of the future and what it has to offer.”
For LGBTQ youth – those who are trans and nonbinary in particular – attacks on support systems and resources can be devastating. Last year, more than half of non -male and non -female teens considered attempting suicide, according to a 2021 study from the Trevor Project, which to provide preventive and suicide services for those under 25 years of age.
But young people in “certified” schools, such as those with LGBTQ in education, have almost 40% lower chances of attempting suicide compared to LGBTQ youth in non -academic schools. not certified, according to the Trevor Project.
LIFE CHANGE: LGBTQ support hope for cultural skills education and suicide Raise life line to 988
Javier Gomez, 18, was one of several students who organized marches in schools across Florida to protest the first “Don’t Play” bill. Gomez said that being gay, experiencing homophobia and discrimination as well as acting as a bully has resulted in it being much faster than the average high school student.
“It really reduces my concentration,” Gomez said. “I understand a different worldview and it’s really hard to raise a lot of concerns in the future, for myself and my teachers and my peers.”
‘There’s not a lot you can do, especially as a kid’
An Ohio bill, HB 616, is closest in language to Florida’s “Don’t Be Gay,” and includes a ban on educational materials and instruction “on sexual orientation or gender identity, “in addition to the ban on education about serious races. education, not taught in K-12 schools, and together.
Ohio student Abby Doench, 17, said she fears young students in her high school may not have the support she received when she came out as gay.
“It’s scary. It makes you so angry, and it makes you feel so useless,” Doench said of the law. “There’s not much you can do, especially as a child … The only thing people are saying about you is that you have no information, and you sadly.
Many LGBTQ youth in all affected states, many of whom are too young to vote, were equally frustrated with USA TODAY because elected officials are making decisions about their education and educational opportunities. without consulting and considering the perspectives of the students.
“People in control don’t care,” Duncan said. “They don’t care about young people, they certainly don’t care about young people, they just stick to this little bit of themselves, so that they don’t know their actions lead to death. . “
In Iowa, Senate Bill 2024, currently sitting in a subcommittee, prohibits any “gender-based instruction” in K-6 classrooms without a parental permission. Iowa junior Nadaley Freet, 16, said these decisions focus on “parental rights” to try to silence young people’s voices and make them heard.
“I feel like they’re trying to take us out of our minds,” said Freet, who is both. “They’re trying to fire us and tell us: ‘Oh, no, you’re just so young, you don’t know what you’re talking about.'”
Bullying of transgender kids ‘has gone through the roof’
As more laws grow in these states, students say they have experienced or witnessed threats at their schools. about LGBTQ students.
CJ Walden, a 17-year-old in high school in Florida, says he lives in an area that is “free and democratic” but he experiences sexuality at school every day.
She says she feels lucky to have support from others to break relationships, but she knows many other students can’t.
In Iowa, Freet said the passage of a bill banning the participation of transgender girls in women’s sports has left her peers isolated, abused and suffering, often with no places to go. fleeing for comfort and support at school. On several occasions, she said she comforted LGBTQ friends and students she found crying in the bathrooms.
“Since different bills have been passed … abuse for angry children here has gone up to the roof,” Freet said. “It portrays them as inferior people, as if they don’t exist …. they are being persecuted to the point where they don’t like who they are. them. “
Duncan said lawmakers and the public do not understand the impact of these bills on the well -being of LGBTQ youth, who are working on a standard of living that comes with its own challenges.
“Being a teenager is really hard. You put all that on, and it adds weight, ”Duncan said. “… Too many children are heartbroken.”
LGBT History Month was created in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher in Missouri. In 1995, a resolution was passed by the General Assembly of the National Education Association to include LGBT History Month in a list of commemorative months.
What does the ally flag look like?
Ally Pride Flag “A”: Compare friends, because “a” is the first letter of the word. Blue: Represents the LGBTQA+ community. Black and White: Compare sexual and/or lesbian people.
What does the true friend flag mean? Pride Flag Ally Right. Created in the late 2000s, at UNCO, this banner display shows partners who support them in the LGBTQ community and their fight for equality and representation.
What color is the ally flag?
This is what a straight flag means: The letter ‘A’ stands for follower. The black and white colors represent the correct flag. The rainbow colors in the letter ‘A’ are for LGBT people.
What do the colors of the ally flag mean?
Ally Pride Flag â € œAâ €: It represents, because â € œaâ € is the first letter of the word. Blue: Represents the LGBTQA community. Black and White: Compare sexual and/or lesbian people.
What is the straight ally flag colors?
The Straight Ally Flag uses the black-and-white “color” of the sex flag as a terrain, adding a large “A” rainbow. (for “Ally”) to show direct support for the Gay Pride/Equal Marriage movement.
What is the ally flag?
The Straight Ally Flag uses the black-and-white “color” of the sex flag as a terrain, adding a large “A” rainbow. (for “Ally”) to show direct support for the Gay Pride/Equal Marriage movement.
What do the colors in the straight ally flag mean?
The straight -laced flag was designed in the late 2000s, although the origins are unknown. Meaning behind the flag: The ‘A’ shape represents the disciples. The rainbow colors in shape ‘A’ represent unity with the LGTBQ community. Black and white lines represent direct and/or cisgender relationships.
What is the meaning of the ally flag?
Ally: People are not part of the LGBTQA community, but they support them.
What is Two-Spirit in Lgbtq?
“Two-spirit” refers to a person who professes to have both a masculine and a feminine spirit, and is used by some of the four Indigenous peoples. open their sexual, gender and/or spiritual identity.
What is a Two-Spirit person? Traditionally, American Americans are two-spirit beings male, female, and sometimes share individuals who combine male and female activities and personalities in their status as two-spirit beings. In many species, they are neither male nor female; they occupied a specific, gender -specific position.
What is the Two-Spirit flag?
Two-Soul Flag (two-soul or sometimes, twospirited) is a modern, pan-Indian, colloquial term used by some North Americans to describe people in their village who are fulfilling a third-gender (or other gender-change.) role in their culture.
What is the 2 Spirit flag?
Two-Souls Pride Two-Souls Flag: An umbrella term that identifies Native Americans with common and cultural understandings of roles and identities.
What is the meaning of Two Spirit?
“Two Spirits” is a term used in some communities, including cultural, spiritual, sexual and gender. The term reflects the complexity of States ’understanding of the roles of men and women, spiritually, and the long history of sexual and gender diversity in States’ cultures.
What does the Abrosexual flag mean?
The Abrosexual Pride Flag has been around since 2015. The flag created by Mod Chad is a pride-flag-for-us after it was requested by another unnamed person. It is not known why this person specifically chose the colors. Abrosexual refers to a person who changes his or her sexuality or sexuality.
What is the difference between LGBT History Month and Pride Month?
LGBT History Month is dedicated to honoring the public eye and moving towards equality, while LGBT History Month is a celebration of history. women’s rights and civil rights movements.
Is Pride the same month as LGBT History Month? Since the 1970s, LGBTQ people and partners have continued to gather in June to walk with pride and stand up for equal rights. When is LGBT History Month? October. LGBT History Month was created in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher in Missouri.
Why is LGBT History Month in October?
October is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month in the United States. It was first observed in 1994. October was chosen because it coincided with National Coming Out Day on October 11, and because it was the first month of March in Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1979.
Why is LGBT History Month in February?
LGBT History Month takes place from the 1st to the 28th of February 2022. February is a sad month in LGBT history. It was nominated for LGBT History Month in line with the repeal of Article 28 in 2003, a policy prohibiting the “promotion” of sexuality.
Why is LGBT History Month celebrated?
LGBT History Month was started in the UK by Schools Out UK and was first held in February 2005. The event aims to promote, and promote, discrimination against LGBT people and historians.
What is celebrated in October for Lgbtq?
US LGBTQ History Month is October and each year we celebrate with special events to celebrate the history and achievements of the LGBTQ community. When the celebration began, it was often a call to action for action and its success.
Why is LGBT History Month in February?
LGBT History Month takes place from the 1st to the 28th of February 2022. February is a sad month in LGBT history. It was nominated for LGBT History Month in line with the repeal of Article 28 in 2003, a policy prohibiting the “promotion” of sexuality.
What is the purpose of LGBT History Month?
The purpose of the month is to highlight the impact of women, gay, bisexual and transgender on local, national, and international history. -o-malo. In 1994, a consortium of educational institutions in the United States designated October as LGBT History Month.
Why do we celebrate LGBT History Month in February?
LGBT History Month is an annual celebration of women’s, gay, bisexual trans, and non-binary history, covering the history of LGBT rights and civil rights movements. In the UK it is celebrated in February each year, corresponding to the 2003 repeal of Article 28.
Is February LGBT History Month?
LGBT History Month is a monthly celebration of women’s, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of women’s rights and civil rights movements.
What is Pride month and the history of pride?
LGBT Pride Month takes place in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred in late June 1969. As a result, many proud events are held this month to recognize the impact of LGBT people on the world. .
What does it mean to celebrate Pride Month?
Pride Month is a full month that celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer peopleâ € ”and the history, culture, and contributions of these people and their communities. It is not limited to people with sexual orientation or discrimination.
What is Pride Month based on?
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month) is celebrated annually in June to honor the violence at Stonewall 1969, and work to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for women, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) America. .
What the latest research really says about LGBTQ youth in schools?
In a study of 13 GSAs in Massachusetts high schools, LGBTQ youth of color reported lower participation and support from GSAs than their white peers.
What percentage of high school students are LGBTQ? Between 2015 and 2019, the percentage of 15- to 17-year-olds who said they knew they were “non-heterosexual” increased from 8.3% to 11.7%, according to and a national study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How are LGBTQ students treated in schools?
Under the U.S. Constitution, public schools must address any harassment against LGBT students in the same way they handle harassment against any other student. And a federal law called Title IX prohibits public schools from ignoring incidents of discrimination.
Why do LGBTQ students drop out of school?
LGBTQ students report that their main reasons for undergoing high school depression are constant bullying and harassment from other students (American Psychological Association, 2012).
Do schools teach LGBTQ?
LGBT sex education is not included in many schools today. Research also shows that students often do not receive effective LGBT sex education programs. Teachers have differing views on the issue of sexuality, and these particular views can affect LGBT sex education when practiced.
What challenges do LGBTQ students face?
| Discrimination or Discrimination | Percentage of Students |
|---|---|
| Prohibit the inclusion of LGBTQ subjects in extracurricular education | 17.6% |
| Prohibit the formation or development of sexual intercourse | 14.8% |
| Refrain from participating in a dance or party with a member of the same sex | 11.7% |
Do teachers support LGBTQ?
Teachers play an important role in supporting and advocating for LGBTQ students, ensuring they can learn and study in a safe classroom.
Why do LGBTQ students drop out of school?
LGBTQ students report that their main reasons for undergoing high school depression are constant bullying and harassment from other students (American Psychological Association, 2012).
How many students dropout LGBTQ?
1.5% of LGBTQ students with formal education indicated that they were more likely to drop out of school compared to 0.6% of their LGBTQ peers.
What is the leading reason for girls dropping out of school?
Adolescent pregnancy threatens young girls’ developmental opportunities, as dropping out of school interferes with their formal education. , resulting in employment and insecurity, as they are plagued by poverty, violence, crime and society.
Why are students dropping out of school?
Many students gave specific reasons for leaving school, which included the need to find employment, parenting, or caring for family members. Nearly half (45 percent) observed that primary schools did not properly prepare them for high school.
What challenges do LGBTQ students face?
| Discrimination or Discrimination | Percentage of Students |
|---|---|
| Prohibit the inclusion of LGBTQ subjects in extracurricular education | 17.6% |
| Prohibit the formation or development of sexual intercourse | 14.8% |
| Refrain from participating in a dance or party with a member of the same sex | 11.7% |
How can teachers support LGBTQ students?
Volunteer as a mentor, either directly or simply by attending meetings of LGBTQ clubs or Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). If your school does not have LGBTQ organizations, you can offer to organize one. You can include LGBTQ books in your classroom.
What are some hardships that LGBTQ students face?
LGBTQ students were at greater risk for bullying, general depression, suicidal thoughts, and poor education and training performance. Studies have found that if LGBTQ students receive equal levels of support and safety in school, it will disappear or be significantly reduced.
