Supporting LGBTQ+ Students: A Closer Look at Challenges and Solutions

Education is of the utmost importance. It equips our children, our communities, and our world at large with the knowledge and skills necessary to be resilient, equitable, and future-ready. Yet education can be hindered or even denied for LGBTQ+ students.

 

Research reveals that, for these students, “the vast majority experienced harassment or assault during in-person school, and many heard school employees use homophobic language.” A student survey from the 2021-2022 school year showed that more than 80% of nonbinary or transgender students “cited depression, stress, or anxiety as obstacles to learning.”

 

In this article, we’ll explore the pressing need for enhanced understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ students. Here’s a closer look at the challenges these students face, how to support LGBTQ+ students, and how non-traditional education like the Thrive With Pride Diploma Program can help LGBTQ+ students access effective education, powerful support, and a means to a brighter future.

 

Understanding the Challenges for LGBTQ+ Students

 

Students today face a host of concerns — from climate crises to social justice challenges and more — that can impact their learning, as well as their mental health and overall well-being. Sadly, LGBTQ+ students often face additional, unique challenges that can significantly impact their educational, social, and emotional development.

 

LGBTQ+ students often face outright discrimination and bullying from their peers due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, many schools lack inclusive curricula that represent diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. This absence perpetuates misunderstanding and stereotyping, further isolating LGBTQ+ students. These students may also struggle with unresponsive or unsupportive administration or teaching staff, making it difficult for them to find safe spaces and allies within their educational environment.

 

These combined factors can create unwelcoming and even unsafe school environments for LGBTQ+ students. The devastating effects of this can be seen in The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, which found that:

• 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.

• 73% of LGBTQ youth reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety.

• 58% of LGBTQ youth reported experiencing symptoms of depression.

• 36% of LGBTQ youth reported that they have been physically threatened or harmed due to either their sexual orientation or gender identity.

• 73% of LGBTQ youth reported that they have experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity at least once in their lifetime.

While these are troubling numbers, the survey’s results also provide a glimmer of hope: “LGBTQ youth who found their school to be LGBTQ-affirming reported lower rates of attempting suicide.” The school environment is a critical part of students’ experiences, capacity for learning, and mental health. Here’s how we can help support LGBTQ+ students in schools — in the traditional school environment, and beyond.

 

Nurturing an Inclusive School Environment

 

There are many strategies that can help counter the challenges commonly faced by LGBTQ+ students. Here are several key approaches:

 

• Implement LGBTQ+ inclusive curricula: Including LGBTQ+ history and issues in the curriculum fosters understanding and acceptance among all students. This visibility can normalize differences and challenge stereotypes.
• Promote zero-tolerance policies for bullying: Schools must enforce stringent anti-bullying policies to protect LGBTQ+ students. Clear reporting and intervention procedures should be in place.
• Support LGBTQ+ student groups: Encouraging the formation of student-led LGBTQ+ groups can provide vital support and community for these students.
• Educate faculty and staff: Regular training sessions can equip school staff with the tools to support LGBTQ+ students effectively and create an inclusive learning environment.

 

Homeschooling as a Supportive Option for LGBTQ+ Students

 

While cultivating inclusivity within traditional school environments is essential, another extremely valuable — and often overlooked — alternative for supporting LGBTQ+ students is homeschooling.

 

Homeschooling allows for a flexible, customized curriculum that can incorporate LGBTQ+ history and topics, thus encouraging self-acceptance and self-awareness. It can also provide a safer learning environment, free from peer pressure, bullying, or discrimination.

 

Moreover, homeschooling allows students to learn at their own pace — a benefit for any student, but particularly for those grappling with the stresses and challenges unique to their LGBTQ+ identity.

 

It’s important to note that homeschooling should not be seen as an escape mechanism, but rather a beneficial alternative pathway. Homeschool high school diplomas hold all the weight of traditional high school diplomas, and open the door for secondary education, meaningful employment, and enlistment in the military. Learn more about homeschooling through high school here.

 

The Thrive With Pride Diploma Program

 

In 2018, Dr. Mabry, founder of Tiers Free Academy, started the Thrive With Pride Diploma Program. A high school diploma program for transgender students of color, Thrive With Pride receives support from the Community Reinvestment Grant from the Atlanta Pride Committee. In addition, the Georgia Stonewall Bar Association awarded Dr. Mabry’s foundation with a Stonewall Racial Justice Grant to support 30 transgender students of color working to obtain a high school diploma. The new program is called the Stonewall Scholars.

 

Dr. Mabry firmly believes every LGBTQ student deserves the opportunity to obtain a high school diploma. If you identify yourself as a transgender person of color and wish to complete your high school education, you are invited and encouraged to contact Tiers Free Academy to become a Stonewall Scholar.

 

Supporting LGBTQ+ students in schools requires conscious efforts to create an inclusive and accepting environment. Regardless of the method, the goal remains clear: to provide LGBTQ+ students with the understanding, support, and opportunities they deserve, so they can thrive in their educational journey and beyond.

 

Creating a world where every student feels accepted and respected, no matter their identity, is a crucial step toward social equality – and it begins with education.

 

The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation is dedicated to improving our community by enhancing education opportunities, promoting synchrony between law enforcement and constituents, and encouraging community engagement. Our programs and initiatives include the Southwest GA Community Policing Resource Center and the Tiers Free Academy, a homeschool cooperative for students in grades 9-12 that provides an alternative diploma program for homeless LGBTQ youth, sex trafficking survivors, and high school dropouts. To learn more about our offerings or support our work, consider subscribing to our newsletter or donate today!