Creating More Inclusive Schools for GLBT Youth

What Do You Say When They Say, “That’s So Gay!”:

How to Make your School a Safe Environment

HiTOPS Educator

Designed for: Professionals

“Faggot,” “Dyke,” “That’s so gay,” are terms commonly

heard in America ’s hallways, making homophobia one of

the last acceptable forms of discrimination.

“I don’t like it but I don’t know what to say,” is a common response by teachers. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and confusion around gender-identity may be changing but it has not gone away and the negative impact on gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) teens is unmistakable. Statistics show that:

• 53% of youth have heard teachers use homophobic comments in school

• 26% of gay youth report having to leave home due to negative parental reactions to their sexual identity

• 41% of gay youth have suffered physical violence

• 40% of gay youth report schoolwork being negatively affected by conflicts around sexual orientation

• 28% of gay youth drop out of school

Unlike other minority groups who can turn to their families for support, LGBTQ teens often cannot confide in their parents, friends, or the church, creating a profound sense of isolation and self-loathing.

This in-service uses large and small group activities and role play to help educators and other professionals learn how to respond to homophobic behavior in school and to work towards a safe and inclusive school community. Participants will receive age appropriate classroom activities to counteract bias and reduce bullying, as well as strategies to develop and maintain a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) or Diversity Club.

Our goals are to help professionals:

• Develop a repertoire of age-appropriate and responsible ways to respond to anti-LGBTQ comments and behaviors

• Identify the negative effects on student learning when a classroom or school environment fails to adequately address anti-LGBTQ bias

• Learn equitable and inclusive classroom strategies that acknowledge and affirm all members of the school community

Average length of in-service: 90 minutes; half-day; whole-day

Recommended number of participants: 20-100