LGBTQ+ Inclusivity and Support

Written by Sarah Reeves, THINK Educator

WHAT DOES LGBTQ+ MEAN?

LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning. The acronym is representative of those who identify as any sexual or gender minority, including asexual, questioning, gender fluid, non-binary, and more.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

  • It is estimated that 10.5% of youth ages 13-18 identify as LGBTQ.

  • Approximately 1.4% of West Virginia’s youth identify as transgender, compared to a nationwide estimate of 0.3%.

  • An estimated 45.3% of LGBTQ youth ages 13-18 have seriously considered suicide in the past twelve months.

SOME DEFINITIONS

  • Sexual orientation: Whether a person is attracted to another person of the same sex or a different sex.

  • Straight (or heterosexual): People who have sexual or romantic feelings for people of the opposite gender.

  • Gay (or homosexual): People who have sexual or romantic feelings for people of the same sex.

  • Bisexual (or Bi): People who have sexual or romantic feelings for both men and women.

  • Lesbian: A person who identifies as a woman who is attracted to other women.

  • Gender: A social construct used to classify a person as a man, woman, or some other identity. Fundamentally different from the sex one is assigned at birth; a set of social, psychological and emotional traits, often influenced by societal expectations.

  • Cisgender: The prefix cis- means “on this side of” or “not across.” A term used to for people who are not transgender.

  • Transgender: Used most often as an umbrella term, some commonly held definitions:

    • Someone whose gender identity or expression does not fit (dominant-group social constructs of) assigned birth sex and gender.

    • A gender outside of the man/woman binary.

    • Having no gender or multiple genders. For more terms and definitions visit https://lgbt.ucsf.edu/glossary-terms.

LGBTQ YOUTH ARE MORE LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE:

  • Discrimination.

  • Victimization and rejection by family members.

  • Bullying.

  • Lower levels of peer support.

  • Substance abuse.

  • Teen pregnancy.

  • Physical assault.

  • Sexual assault.

  • Rape.

  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

AS PARENTS, GUARDIANS AND EDUCATORS, WHAT CAN WE DO?

Talk and listen. Engage in open, honest discussion about sexual orientation, gender identity and sex. Inform yourself. Many organizations and online resources can provide additional information on supporting the LGBTQ youth in your life. Acknowledge. As a parent or guardian, take time to acknowledge and understand your own feelings as well as your child’s. Be involved. Making an effort to know the child/student’s friends and interests can help you keep them safe and feeling cared for.

Encourage Respect. Encourage respect for all individuals – don’t tolerate bullying, harassment, or violence. Create Spaces. Create “safe spaces” for LGBTQ youth where they can receive support from teachers, administrators or other school staff. Encourage. Encourage school clubs that promote a safe, welcoming and accepting environment, such as gay-straight alliances.

GET SUPPORT

First thing’s first: you matter. You are important. You bring light into this world. It’s OK to ask for help. You are brave to ask for help.

Trevor Project

  • thetrevorproject.org

  • 866-488-7386

  • Text Crisis Line Text 741741 for support

Emergencies

  • Call 911 for emergencies

LGBTQ+ National Youth Talkline

  • 1-800-246-7743

Suicide Prevention Hotline

  • 800-273-TALK (8255)

bullying, awareness, teens, THINKRebecca Whitelgbtq, teens, parenting