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Curiosity: How can people respond to people who object to LGBTQ people for religious reasons?

Question the article answered: What are some major issues LGBTQ students are going through?

Research Path: Why do people care if LGBTQ get married?

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Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students have historically been invisible, underserved, or misunderstood - or all three, says Jenny Betz, a School Climate Specialist at WestEd. "If you don't feel accepted, have to hide something fundamental about who you are, or are scared at every step, you obviously won't be fully present and immersed in learning."

To shed light on LGBTQ students' experiences in school, WestEd researchers analyzed two years of results from the California Healthy Kids Survey, which provides arguably more data on LGBTQ youth than any other source in the nation. The data reflect survey responses from approximately 800,000 students in grades 7, 9, and 11 at more than 2,700 secondary schools. The resulting study, Understanding the Experiences of LGBTQ Students in California, revealed both sobering and encouraging results.

The study found that LGBTQ secondary students were at higher risk for bullying, chronic sadness, and thoughts of suicide, as well as poorer learning engagement and academic performance, compared to their straight and non-transgender peers. LGBTQ students also reported receiving substantially fewer social and developmental supports from teachers. But the study's analysis suggests that if LGBTQ students experienced the same levels of support and safety at school as non-transgender and straight students, disparities would disappear or greatly diminish.

Disheartening findings

Among those surveyed, almost 14 percent of both middle and high school students identified as having a sexual orientation other than straight (about 111,000 students), and about 3 percent identified as someone whose gender identity did not correspond with their birth sex (nearly 24,000 students).

To create a more complete, nuanced picture of these students, WestEd deliberately disaggregated the data on sexual orientation and gender identity. "Because of confusion about the differences between sexual orientation and gender identity, we initially even considered writing two separate reports," says Rebeca Cerna, Area Director at WestEd and co-author of the report.

The study's key findings include the following:

Transgender, gay or lesbian, and bisexual students were less likely than their non-transgender and straight peers to report the presence of key school supports, to be engaged in school, or to report a high grade point average.

Fewer than half of transgender, gay or lesbian, and bisexual students reported feeling safe at school.

Transgender, gay or lesbian, and bisexual students were twice or more as likely to report that they had experienced bullying or harassment and were in fear of physical violence.

Transgender and bisexual students were most likely to experience chronic sadness and to consider suicide.

"Sadly, these findings were not surprising," says Betz. "What jumps out is how consistent the study's results are with the data collected across the country over the last two to three decades."

Whether someone directly teases or taunts them, or they simply hear a constant barrage of negative comments - "that's so gay" or "don't be a fag" - these students often receive the message that something is wrong with them, says Betz, and may begin to feel that they are in danger. Adding insult to injury, says Betz, is often not hearing any positive messages in the classroom about their gender or sexual identity. Worse still, is feeling victimized by staff on campus. "Transgender and nonbinary students, for example, still face obstacles from some administrators about using a bathroom or locker room that aligns with their gender," says Betz.

A silver lining in the data

For a long time, says Betz, there has been an unsubstantiated idea that something is inherently wrong with LGBTQ students, leading to poorer relationships and academic outcomes in schools. Instead, this study's findings suggest that a perceived lack of support is the main culprit - and that schools have the power to make a big difference.

"WestEd's study was able to show that if these students had the same school supports as their peers - the same access to high expectations, the same positive relationships in schools, the same experiences in terms of lower victimization rates, for example - their outcomes would be dramatically better," says Betz.

In fact, the study found that if transgender, gay or lesbian, and bisexual students experienced similar levels of support and safety as other students, disparities in their mental health, academic motivation, and academic performance in school would shrink by half. For transgender students, disparities in school connectedness would disappear completely and for lesbian, gay, and bisexual students, disparities in school connectedness would lessen by 90 to 100 percent.

If these students had the same school supports as their peers, their outcomes would be dramatically better.

"Sometimes school might be the only sanctuary for a kid in the otherwise hostile world they find themselves in - whether it's their home, their faith community, or their neighborhood," says Joel Baum, Senior Director of Professional Development for Gender Spectrum, a nonprofit focused on creating gender-inclusive environments for children and teens.

What schools can do

Laws can help, but on their own they're not enough, says Betz: "California has some of the most inclusive laws and education codes, and yet we still have such high numbers of students without access to safe and inclusive learning environments."

Before joining WestEd, Betz trained thousands of educators on how to support LGBTQ students. "Some teachers would say, 'It's obvious I love all my students,'" recalls Betz. "But if you want to be a true ally, you have to make your support visible."

Cerna agrees, adding that students are always watching and need to see more modeling of safety. She recounted an experience her daughter, an eighth grader, recently had. A student in her daughter's history class told the teacher that the trans and LGBTQ flags in his classroom were making him uncomfortable. "My daughter waited to see how the teacher would respond. He told the student, 'In my classroom, I'm trying to provide a safe environment for all my students. If you're not comfortable, I'm happy to set up a meeting to discuss your concerns.'"

In addition to being verbally and visually demonstrative, educators can refer students to other supports as needed, says Betz. "If educators don't know how to navigate the students' questions, they can identify other resources and say, 'Thank you for coming to me with this - I know someone who can help.'"

Gender Spectrum, which has reached educators working with more than 3.2 million children, suggests four different entry points. These entry points create a fabric of inclusion, not only around gender, but other aspects of identity as well, says Baum, who was a panelist in the WestEd-hosted webinar Evidence-Based Support for LGBTQ Middle and High School Students and who has a background as a middle school science teacher, school principal, and district administrator.

Internal. "Be committed to learning more about gender, including reflecting on your own experiences," says Baum, "and be sure not to conflate it with sexual identity." When we do confuse them, gendered spaces such as school bathrooms get sexualized even though they have nothing to do with sex, he says.

Interpersonal. "Become very cognizant of language," says Baum. "Are you unintentionally promoting a limited, binary notion of gender in your everyday interactions - maybe praising girls for appearance and boys for accomplishment, or not challenging phrases such as 'throw like a girl' or 'man up'?"

Instructional. "What are you teaching or perhaps not teaching about gender?" If you're an English instructor, for example, you might occasionally use a writing prompt related to gender or sexual orientation.

Institutional. Consider adding images in the classroom such as photos of male nurses or women firefighters, or a sign such as, "All Genders Welcome."

"It's not all about the grand gesture - a transgender awareness day or a big assembly where a member of the LGBTQ community talks to all the students," says Baum." It's lots of things in ways large and small that communicate an awareness, an accounting for, and a celebration of the unique gender of every young person."

Finally, while this work is life-saving for some, Baum believes it is life-affirming for all - reinforcing that none of us should be limited by our gender or sexual orientation.

Still more to learn

Because LGBTQ represents such a diverse group of people, says Cerna, there is still more to explore in the data. For example, students who were unsure about their sexual orientation or gender articulated higher levels of risk than LGBT students. And, along with students who identified as transgender, bisexual students were found to experience greater sadness and suicide contemplation. What's the story behind those data, wonders Cerna.

"Focus groups and conversations with these youth might unearth more," says Cerna, "so we can continue to figure out ways to provide them better support in our schools and communities."
For more information about WestEd's research on LGBTQ students, contact Rebeca Cerna at 562.799.5159 or rcerna@wested.org or Jenny Betz at 510.302.4370 or jbetz@wested.org.
Understanding the Experience of LGBTQ Students in California was supported by a grant from The California Endowment.

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Shedding Light on the Experiences of LGBTQ Students: Sobering Data and Reasons for Hope

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Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students have historically been invisible, underserved, or misunderstood - or all three, says Jenny Betz, a School Climate Specialist at WestEd. "If you don't feel accepted, have to hide something fundamental about who you are, or are scared at every step, you obviously won't be fully present and immersed in learning."

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Curiosity: What adversity have you faced at work?

Article Question: Why shouldn’t an individual be able to marry the person they love simply because of their sexual preference?

Research Question: What is the biggest barrier to LGTB community member's health?

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Marriage Advice - Expert Marriage Tips & Advice

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Same-sex marriage has been an intense topic of conversation for quite some time. Some are for it while others are against or on the fence.

Even though the reasons why same-sex marriage should be legal outweigh the reasons against it, all individuals deserve the right to marry whomever they choose and, even more importantly, have that union legally recognized.

Fortunately, many are pro-same-sex marriage, and because of consistent effort, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is a right protected by the U.S. Constitution in ALL the states .

Why shouldn't an individual be able to marry the person they love simply because of their sexual preference?

Depriving individuals of that just isn't right. Despite the Supreme Court ruling, opposing viewpoints remain, but perhaps those who oppose do not fully understand the importance of same-sex marriage.

Let's discuss the reasons why same-sex marriage should be legal.

Equal benefits

Same-sex marriage should be legal because it provides equal benefits to all. Before legalization in the United States, homosexual couples had no hospital visitation rights.

This means that if an emergency occurred, a person was not allowed to visit their life partner because they were not legally married.

Legalizing gay marriage also provides benefits pertaining to taxation, inheritance, and financial protection.

Fact: Did you know that before the legalization of gay marriage, gay men, and lesbian women were deprived of more than 1,000 federal rights and benefits.

Displays a positive message

Prejudice and discrimination have impacted our society in the ugliest of ways. Some of the most horrific times in history were largely due to the unfair treatment of a specific group for whatever reason.

Let's not forget the civil rights issue. Denying a group of their right to marry sends the message that prejudice and discrimination are acceptable.

That message only prevents society from evolving and, even worse, paints the LGBT community as inferior. Recognizing everyone's rights, however, helps reverse the problem.

Human rights must be in alignment for society to thrive.

Same-sex marriage boosts the economy

Those who are pro-same-sex marriage can accurately argue that it is beneficial to the economy.

Not only do wedding expenses have a positive impact, but more marriages mean higher taxes for those filing jointly, causing an increase in tax revenue.
Another economic benefit is increased productivity and labor mobility. Productivity improves since prejudice is removed from the workplace.
When a positive environment is created, work performance increases significantly and ultimately leads to more money, while prejudice results in underperformance.

As for labor mobility, the economy can thrive when workers can move from one state to the other without the worry that his/her marriage isn't legal. That ability keeps everything up and running.

Family stability

Another on the list of why same-sex marriage should be legal reasons has to do with children and family stability.

There are numerous same-sex couples raising children in loving homes.

Although loving, without legalizing homosexual marriages, those children are denied the stability associated with being in a household with married parents.

For example, when same-sex marriage was not legal, child support was an issue when parents decided to split. No matter who a child's parents are, there is no reason not to provide them with the same protections as those raised by a mother and father.

Increases the number of successful adoptions

Another reason why same-sex marriage should be legal is the increase in adoption it already has and will continue to cause.

Millions of children need safe, permanent homes, and agencies are more inclined to release children to married couples due to the stability they provide.

Gay couples might face some discriminations, but being able to legally marry eliminates the reason not to allow them to adopt.
Same-sex couples often turn to adoption since having a child of their own can be costly.
A rise in adoption rates means more children have parents to love and care for them rather than living in foster care, moving from one home to another.

It makes no sense to deny children living in a happy home (perhaps with siblings) with parents that love them.
Also watch: The march of marriage equality. Conclusion
The above information is quite convincing, but like all topics, there are both pros and cons of same-sex marriage.

Along with the reasons why same-sex marriage should be legal, one advantage of same-sex marriage is a decrease in psychological disorders.

This is a result of the LGBT community being supported socially and feeling accepted. Inclusion positively affects well-being, while exclusion hurts it.

In addition, homosexuality should be legal in terms of marriage because it refreshes the meaning of marriage. When it comes to legalizing same-sex marriage, unions go beyond love; they take on the meaning of equality.

One of the cons of same-sex marriage, according to some, has to do with religion.

Legalizing same-sex marriage does and can cause religious confusion. If you have read the bible, it does contradict Scripture, and this is a factor individuals struggle with, but rights have nothing to do with religion.

Another argument made by those against gay marriage is the institution of marriage. Many of those who oppose it believe that allowing gay couples to wed could weaken the institution of marriage.

Right now, same-sex marriage is legal in the United States, meaning anyone can marry whomever they please.

Not only has a community been granted the rights they were entitled to from the start, but society is evolving as is marriage.

Everyone marries for the same reasons. They want to wed the person they love and be granted the innumerable rights associated with marriage in order to build a life together.

Friday, June 26, 2015, was a huge day for those who are pro-same-sex marriage, and its effects are everlasting.

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LGBT Love: Why Same Sex Marriage Should Be Legal

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Same-sex marriage has been an intense topic of conversation for quite some time. Some are for it while others are against or on the fence. Even though the reasons why same-sex marriage should be legal outweigh the reasons against it, all individuals deserve the right to marry whomever they choose and, even more importantly, have that union legally recognized.

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Curiosity: What does transgenderism have to do with patriotism?

Research Question: Are LGBT people at greater risk for health problems?

Research path: What are the mainstream problems that the LGBTQ+ community face?

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The LGBTQ community has seen significant advancements across various sectors of life in recent years. However, individuals in this community face challenges and barriers to healthcare access and coverage. The lack of access can even lead to poor health outcomes. The general public might believe that these barriers are related to choices. However, research has found that challenges such as the denial of care from the healthcare community and the provision of substandard care are essential factors.

The LGBTQ community faces unique health needs. It can be difficult to quantify the exact lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender healthissues because most state and national surveys don't collect information about sexual orientation and gender identity. This lack of knowledge can make it difficult to pinpoint exact health concerns.

For some, they may face other healthcare needs and inequalities associated with ethnicity, race, gender, or social class. There is also a unique intersection between the LGBTQ community and those with disabilities. People with disabilitiesare more likely to identify as a sexual minority than are abled persons.

The National LGBT Health Education Center's 2016 report, "Understanding the Health Needs of LGBT People," noted that LGBTQ individuals experience higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, lower rates of women's health screenings such as mammograms and Pap smears, and higher rates of problems like smoking. A few mental health and social issues have also been linked to this community, including depression, increased risk of suicide, and homelessness.

HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment has undergone significant advancements since its establishment in 1981. Gay and bisexual men in the LGBTQ community may be met with social stigma and negative attitudes that discourage them from seeking testing and treatment. Over 26,000 gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with menwere newly diagnosed with HIV infections in 2015, accounting for the last portion of the more than one million people in the US living with the disease.

In a day when we know more about HIV/AIDS than ever before, it might be surprising that so many new cases continue to be diagnosed. Understanding the reasons that certain populations are at a higher riskis the first step in overcoming barriers to healthcare. A few of the possible disparities include lack of access to care that could be related to education, financial status, bigotry, or racism.

Discrimination at the Hands of the Medical Community

It's essential to acknowledge the history of discrimination and oppression that the LGBTQ communities have faced for many decades. Whether bias came from employers, housing authorities, schools, or social programs, it's created a culture that has turned these individuals away from the healthcare industry.

Many LGBTQ individuals suffer at the hands of providers, further complicating the issue and driving them away from care. This treatment ranges from harassment and humiliation to being turned away. The Center for American Progressshared results from the CAP survey, which detailed types of discrimination faced by those in the LGBTQ community. This survey reported that up to nine percent of LGBTQ respondents said that doctors or other healthcare providers used harsh or abusive language when treating them and an additional eight percent reported that a provider refused to see them because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation.

The CAP survey also reported that 29 percent of transgender people said that a provider refused to see them due to their actual or perceived gender identity and 21 percent reported being spoken to with harsh or abusive language. These types of behaviors discourage the LGBTQ community from seeking healthcare, even when they know they need it. Without routine preventive care and prompt acute care treatment, this community will continue to suffer chronic, acute, and even deadly conditions that could have been prevented.

It's imperative that we acknowledge the role of public policy in the fight against health disparities. The current presidential administration has cut funding to HIV and chronic disease prevention programs that impact the future of HIV/AIDS treatment. Not only has funding for treatment been cut, but dollars paying for prevention and educational programs such as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program has been reduced. As we continue to watch the Affordable Care Act being questioned for its legitimacy, you can't help but wonder what the future of healthcare is for the LGBTQ community and others who struggle with the changing healthcare landscape.

Providers and every member of the care team must be educated in compassionate, culturally competent care to end the invisibility of the LGBTQ community in the healthcare community. Physicians must understand the cultural context of their patient's lives to provide evidence-based care that delivers good health outcomes.

Those in the LGBTQ community can help by participating in data collection efforts so that lawmakers and others have a clear picture of the number of people in this demographic who need specific care. They can also vote for government officials and programs who support actions that increase access to healthcare services and limit barriers. With any luck, the future of the healthcare landscape will be one of equality and compassion as we look to the future.
Frankie Wallace is a writer from Boise, Idaho who contributes to a wide variety of blogs online.

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Healthcare Barriers for the LGBTQ Community

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The LGBTQ community has seen significant advancements across various sectors of life in recent years. However, individuals in this community face challenges and barriers to healthcare access and coverage . The lack of access can even lead to poor health outcomes. The general public might believe that these barriers are related to choices.

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Curiosity: What is the concept of LGBTQ?

Question the article answered: What experiences do they face?

Research Path: What is the impact of family reactions?

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For too long, LGBTQ+ students have felt alone, distraught, and vulnerable especially in school settings. They have faced verbal abuse, discrimination, physical harassment and it is an understatement to say that they have been having a super hard time while in school. Bullying and homophobia continues to affect every LGBTQ+ individual from a very young age. Schools from all over the world have been trying to change the narrative and inspire inclusivity while educating children from a young age about sexual orientation and identity. Some countries have opted to adopt a LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum in their educations system which is a good start, but full inclusivity will take longer. The journey is slow and steady, and it goes in steps. LGBTQ+ curriculum in schools is a vital key towards creating a safer environment for the LGBTQ community as we cultivate awareness and acceptance from a very tender age. New curricula is intended to broaden traditional sex education and a greater understanding of sexuality. It will cover topics such as consent, gender identity and sexual violence.

In the US, LGBTQ+ curriculum has not been adopted by all the states in the country - only a few have chosen to take these brave step. This includes the states of California, New Jersey, Colorado and Illinois. A research conducted showed 65% of students in the US reported to receiving no classroom instruction about LGBTQ+ people, history and events. What's worse is 15% reported receiving only negative information about LGBTQ+ people in the classroom, according to a 2017 report by the LGBTQ+ education advocacy group GLSEN. It concluded that a more inclusive curriculum could have a positive effect on LGBTQ+ student's experience in school. They even conducted a pilot program and have passed laws mandating that public schools incorporate LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum. New York is the latest city to move towards this direction. Illinois went on to amend their school code to add a more inclusive history curriculum because it hopes to overcome the intolerance that society has shown the LGBTQ+ community through education and exposure to different people and viewpoints.

P rimary schools in England have been given a choice on what to teach about same-sex relationships by the education secretary if they consider it age-appropriate. It has faced oppositions in some of the schools - especially by the parents. Alas, it is set that in September 2020, relationships education will be compulsory for all primary schools and sex education compulsory for all secondary children. With the aim of helping children to leave school, prepared for life in a diverse Britain. This is a great societal step, that school children will grow up knowing it's OK to be queer.

S cotland will become the world's first country with a LGBTQ-inclusive school curriculum from 2021. It will be the world's first nation to teach LGBTQ+ history in schools. This was due to a survey that showed around 40% of LGBTQ+ students hadn't been taught about sexuality issues and only 22% had learned of safe sex in same-sex relationships. This means that all government schools will be receiving mandatory classes on challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community and equality. This will help deal with issues of discrimination and homophobia. Scotland is a very progressive country when it comes to its attitude regarding the LGBTQ rights. Scotland hopes to create more awareness and acceptability among its students. Its curriculum involves great topics on how to tackle homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

In Belgium, a survey with the support of GLSEN and Columbia University stated 41% of LGBTQ+ students felt unsafe because of their sexual orientation and 27% because of gender expression. Almost one in four tried to avoid the school toilets and gym locker rooms because they felt unsafe. 50% said that teachers never responded to homophobic or transphobic remarks in school. Another report showed that teachers recognized the importance of addressing LGBTQ+ topics, but did not know how to do so. In late 2018, the Flemish Parliament approved a new school curriculum for the 1st grade of secondary schools, making it mandatory for schools to educate students about sexual orientation, gender identity and gender issues.

In the Netherlands, the Dutch government is supporting various initiatives. Dutch secondary schools have been required to include gender and sexual diversity in their curriculum since 2012. Each year the COC, the world's oldest LGBTQ+ advocacy group delivers about 1500 classes and guest lessons on LGBTQ+ issues. COC wants to develop a standard for the improvement of LGBTQ+ acceptance in schools. Though LGBTQ+ acceptance has not yet been fully achieved, the aim is to improve the situation in schools. According to 80 to 90% of school principals in Netherlands, their school spends some time on promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance.

In Sweden, the Swedish Equality Ombudsman published a manual, for all Swedish preschools should have gender-neutral bathrooms and that all preschool children should learn about same-sex "families" and "parents." This has helped in sexual identity for Swedish LGBTQ+ individuals from a young age. The aim is to help in sexual orientation and gender identity. Swedish students begin their sex education at 11 in their 5th year of primary school. Sweden is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries and they even introduced the equality programme which teaches the students to learn to respect other people's opinions and choices regarding sexuality and form of social life.

In the coming years, we work towards creating a safe environment starting from the school facilities to home and work areas. It is with great importance for the government to help facilitate adoption of LGBTQ+ curriculum in schools. Inclusive classrooms are a major factor to help deal with discrimination, homophobia, low self esteem and stigma. The curriculum has to to ensure that the right LGBTQ+ history is taught without bias and it opens up the younger generation to understand that it is not a crime but simply a different sexual orientation.

For a comprehensive LGBTQ+ guide for your school, I recommend downloading The Dru Project's guide - it's the most comprehensive one of its kind in the US!

About the Author:
Christine Siamanta Kinori grew up in a little village in Kenya known as Loitoktok near the border of Kenya and Tanzania. All she wanted to do when she grew up was to explore the world. Her curiosity led her to join Nairobi University to pursue a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She later got a job with an amazing travel magazine Nomad Africa which gave her the opportunity to explore Africa. She also writes for numerous travel websites about Africa and tries to create a new narrative in the media about our aesthetic continent. Christine claims to have somewhat unhealthy addiction to TV and reading, as it is a fun way to keep herself occupied during the long journeys for her travel writing. She is also a believer of letting people be their beautiful selves. To her, love is love and it is the greatest gift we have as humans.

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LGBTQ+ Curriculum in Schools: Where is it Happening?

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For too long, LGBTQ+ students have felt alone, distraught, and vulnerable especially in school settings. They have faced verbal abuse, discrimination, physical harassment and it is an understatement to say that they have been having a super hard time while in school. Bullying and homophobia continues to affect every LGBTQ+ individual from a very young age.

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.