Changes that can be implemented in a school that would require little time, effort, and money:

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Why is this so important?

School is a place where students spend much of their time. During this time in school, students are growing up, forming friendships, developing their self-esteem, and discovering who they are. School can foster the positive self-images of students by teaching about diversity in their classrooms. Every student needs to be included in the school community. Schools need to teach about the diversity, uniqueness, and contributions of all groups. However, many times gay issues are not included under this category of diversity. By not teaching about homosexuality in school, gay students may feel that they are not important. This can be detrimental to their forming identity.

Educating people about homosexuality and fostering a safe school environment are not easy tasks. This is a very controversial topic within schools. Regardless of outside negative opinions, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students need to know they are not an isolated group. Creating an environment in which they feel safe and comfortable being who they are is just as important as doing this for other groups within the school.

Why is not doing this a problem?

Riddle (1996) claimed that gay adolescents are at risk. Suicide is the leading cause of death of young gay males and lesbians. These students also reported feeling alone and isolated. This confusion and fear of rejection may put them at higher risk for drug and alcohol abuse, diseases, harassment, abuse, depression, pregnancy, and school failure. The failure of schools to protect this group of students and the lack of educational programs may contribute to these risk factors.

School officials often do not see the need to address homosexual issues because they believe there are no gays and lesbians in their schools. This is not an excuse to ignore their needs. Rather, according to Riddle (1996), “the school, in being sensitive to and aware of the concerns these students face, can help make the disclosure easier, can help prevent these students from being harassed, and can make families feel an integral part of the school community” (p. 40). Teaching about diversity can help steer children away from prejudice and help reduce the violence against minorities.

Many schools have been ignoring the needs of gay and lesbian students for too long. All people can benefit from awareness of and education about homosexuality. Homophobia affects everyone in negative ways. Schools have the power to make the learning environment positive and safe for all students, including those who associate with the gay culture. Not all schools are taking advantage of the fact that these changes in the school to foster a nurturing learning environment require little effort, time, and money. However, the impact of these changes can have constructive results for all of the people involved.

Recent studies have shown that the age of coming out for lesbians and gays has been decreasing over the past fifty years. This population of students is beginning to make itself known on school campuses (Riddle, 1996, p. 40). “Given the risks gay and lesbian youth are likely to encounter, gay and lesbian issues need to be addressed in schools” (Taylor, 2000, p. 222). These students’ needs have been ignored for too long and everybody in the school community could benefit from education about homosexuality (Riddle, 1996, p.42).