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In the last four years we’ve seen increasingly aggressive anti-LGBTQ rhetoric becoming the norm in our country. From the Trump administration to local school boards—political leaders are undermining the progress made on behalf of LGBTQ students, educators, and their allies.
John, we don’t need to tell you, words hurt.
According to GLSEN’s most recent National School Climate Survey, more than 4 in 5 LGBTQ students heard sexist remarks often or frequently at school. Nearly 3 in 4 LGBTQ students heard negative remarks about ability.
John, our research revealed that almost all LGBTQ students in secondary schools (98.5%) heard “gay” used in a negative way. Words have the power to make students feel unsafe to the point where they are no longer able to perform in school or conduct normal lives.
This January GLSEN is leading a coalition of over 60 leading education organizations to recognize No Name-Calling Week: a week organized by K-12 educators and students to reduce the negative consequences of slurs and bullying in classrooms across the country.
As we head toward the 2020 election, policymakers will target LGBTQ youth with divisive rhetoric, and GLSEN remains determined to celebrate kindness while advocating on behalf of the 8 million K-12 LGBTQ students who are directly impacted by the current culture of negativity and violence.
John, by learning more about the goals and programs of No Name-Calling Week, you can be a part of a movement to reduce bullying and name-calling in schools.
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