Open AccessSafe Schools Policy for LGBTQ Students and commentaries
Author(s) -
Russell Stephen T.,
Horn Stacey,
Kosciw Joseph,
Saewyc Elizabeth
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
social policy report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2379-3988
DOI - 10.1002/j.2379-3988.2010.tb00065.x
Subject(s) - lesbian , sexual orientation , transgender , queer , sexual minority , sexual identity , population , vulnerability (computing) , homosexuality , psychology , identity (music) , political science , public relations , criminology , sociology , human sexuality , social psychology , gender studies , demography , computer security , physics , computer science , acoustics
Two proposed U.S. federal laws would provide explicit protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students in public schools. These federal laws follow actions by many states and school districts to define and implement laws or policies to protect the safety of LGBTQ students in schools. Research during the past decade has shown that LGBTQ youth are a vulnerable population, and that the negative school experiences of LGBTQ students often contribute to their vulnerability. This Social Policy Report reviews research relevant to these federal, state, and local laws and policies. Research on sexual orientation/identity development is reviewed, with attention to the growing numbers of youth that “come out” or disclose their LGBTQ identities to others during their school‐age years. Schools are often hostile environments for LGBTQ students; this evidence is considered along with research on the consequences for compromised achievement and emotional and behavioral health. We then review strategies in education policy and practice that are associated with well‐being for LGBTQ (and all) students.