Are Schools Safe for Gay Teens?

As one of my jobs, I facilitate Gay/Straight Alliances in several high schools in my city. These groups are so important to the students who attend. The gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth have a place where they can be free and open about who they are. Their supportive straight friends help them fight the injustices of everyday high school life. The Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network just released it’s National School Climate Survey. The survey revealed that LGBT students are still extremely likely to be victims of harassment and violence in their schools. For the first time, GLSEN looked at the link between harassment and school performance. Not surprisingly, the survey found a direct correlation between Grade Point Averages and in-school harassment.