There are many ways our country can help the LGBT population feel like they are living in a safe environment. By build strong connections and keeping the lines of communication open we will be able to listen to their concerns and help them get through their struggles. A large percentage of LGBT youth feel rejected. It is crucial that the families and friends of these students let them know that they support them. High school is a time of self-identification. The teen years are a confusing time for many, their bodies are changing, and they are starting to develop intimate feelings for other people. To make high school a safe place for these students it is important that the schools make it clear that no one should be treated differently because of sexual orientation and gender identity. Many high schools and colleges around the United States have created gay-straight alliances (GSAs). Schools must allow these groups if they have other “non-curricular” clubs or groups ("Bullying and LGBT Youth"). Federal civil rights laws do not cover harassment based on sexual orientation. Often, bullying towards LGBT youth targets their non-conformity to gender norms. The U.S. Constitution guarantees all people, including LGBT people equal protection of the laws. State constitutions contain similar protections. This means that public schools can’t single out LGBT students for negative treatment just because school officials disapprove of being gay or feel uncomfortable around people whose gender identity or expression is different from theirs. When it comes to peer conflicts and abuse, courts have made clear that the federal Constitution prohibits public schools from taking bullying and harassment any less seriously just because the targets are LGBT. Many states protect against bullying because of sexual orientation in their state laws. The laws protect against
There are many ways our country can help the LGBT population feel like they are living in a safe environment. By build strong connections and keeping the lines of communication open we will be able to listen to their concerns and help them get through their struggles. A large percentage of LGBT youth feel rejected. It is crucial that the families and friends of these students let them know that they support them. High school is a time of self-identification. The teen years are a confusing time for many, their bodies are changing, and they are starting to develop intimate feelings for other people. To make high school a safe place for these students it is important that the schools make it clear that no one should be treated differently because of sexual orientation and gender identity. Many high schools and colleges around the United States have created gay-straight alliances (GSAs). Schools must allow these groups if they have other “non-curricular” clubs or groups ("Bullying and LGBT Youth"). Federal civil rights laws do not cover harassment based on sexual orientation. Often, bullying towards LGBT youth targets their non-conformity to gender norms. The U.S. Constitution guarantees all people, including LGBT people equal protection of the laws. State constitutions contain similar protections. This means that public schools can’t single out LGBT students for negative treatment just because school officials disapprove of being gay or feel uncomfortable around people whose gender identity or expression is different from theirs. When it comes to peer conflicts and abuse, courts have made clear that the federal Constitution prohibits public schools from taking bullying and harassment any less seriously just because the targets are LGBT. Many states protect against bullying because of sexual orientation in their state laws. The laws protect against