# data[].attributes.body
The main problem with the LGBTQ+ community is that they are discriminated against. This presentation aims

# data[].attributes.body
Sexual orientation was not specifically elaborated by Siddhartha Gautama, nor was there any reference or guidance for people regarding sexual orientation or same-sex behaviour

Zen Buddhism does make a distinction between same-sex and opposite sex relationships. The actual expectation is to not harm, exploit or manipulate others.

On the positive side he [Dalai Lama] has publicy condemed violence against LGBTQ people

# data[].attributes.body
Buddhism’s core theme to attain enlightenment, the path one chooses to take within the religion is largely personal, as is one’s beliefs.

Hence, most Buddhist literature indicates that opposition to or support for marriage rights for same-sex couples is a personal, rather than religious, statement.

# data[].attributes.body
In Canada, 34% transgender people faced verbal threats/harassment

Children who come out to their parents often face disapproval

Right Speech attempts to use kind words to be respected and trusted.
A Buddhist would approach this problem by not being harsh on a person's sexual orientation. They would use kind and thoughtful words to the person and attempt to understand them.

# data[].attributes.body
Hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community has doubled in Canada from 2007 to 2008

20% Trans people experienced physical or sexual assault

Right Conduct aims to behave in an acceptable manner that follows the Five Precepts (No killing, no stealing, no improper sexual actions, no lying or hateful speech, and no alcohol and drugs) .

A Buudhist would approach this problem by, in this case, abstaining from hateful speech and refraining from any physical or sexual assault. Instead, they would behave in a respectable manner in which they would accept people's sexual orientation.

# data[].attributes.body
Right Livelihood

The rule of right livelihood is not to cause harm to living things. If you harm the living creature, you are actually disobeying the Buddhism. Therefore, Buddhists will never let minority groups suffer from discrimination. There are several Buddhists’ duties in school life to satisfy the right livelihood.

Students & Teachers at school

According to Wiley Online Library survey, LGBTQ+ students experience more harassment than others. To help them, students have to focus more on educating those who harass, rather than just asking them to stop. Also, teachers need to explain what is wrong and try to stop the harassment.

ex) Seattle Public Schools has implemented policies and programs to increase safety, family involvement, and student achievement for LGBTQ+ youth.

# data[].attributes.body
Right Effort

The right effort pursue to have good thoughts, and because discrimination of LGBTQ+ is an evil thought, Buddhists should help LGBTQ +people to stop the discrimination from the society. In fact, according to “Public Religion Research Institute”, 75 percent of American Buddhists favor laws that protect LGBTQ+ Americans against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

# data[].attributes.body
Right Mindfulness is the act of being grateful with one's current life, rather than dwelling on what negative things they have.

Because of personal reasons, Buddhists focus on the separation of positive and negative aspects of the LGBTQ+ community.

These personal reasons may include friends, family and/or spiritual leaders.

# data[].attributes.body
Bostwick, Wendy B, et al. “Discrimination and Mental Health among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults in the United States.” The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4144327/.

“Fifty Years After Stonewall: Widespread Support for LGBT Issues - Findings from American Values Atlas 2018.” PRRI, www.prri.org/research/fifty-years-after-stonewall-widespread-support-for-lgbt-issues-findings-from-american-values-atlas-2018/.

Hillard, Pamela, et al. “‘They Were Only Joking’: Efforts to Decrease LGBTQ Bullying and Harassment in Seattle Public Schools.” Wiley Online Library, John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd (10.1111), 10 Dec. 2013, www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/josh.12120.

Human Rights Campaign. “Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Buddhism.” Human Rights Campaign, www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-buddhism.

Katz-Wise, Sabra L, et al. “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth and Family Acceptance.” Pediatric Clinics of North America, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5127283/.

Michaelson, Jay. “How the LGBT Experience Will Transform the Practice of Mindfulness.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 7 Dec. 2017, www.huffpost.com/entry/how-the-lgbt-experience-w_b_5499928.

“Policy Papers on Equity.” CMHA Ontario, www.ontario.cmha.ca/documents/lesbian-gay-bisexual-trans-queer-identified-people-and-mental-health/.