Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Students and Families

The unique needs and school experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students have been long recognized by researchers. LGBTQ issues are gaining a powerful momentum, and educators need to get on board in recognizing and responding to the needs of LGBTQ students and families. LGBTQ students experience alarmingly high rates of harassment, bullying, and discrimination at school based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The impact of a hostile school climate where LGBTQ students feel unsupported and unprotected can lead to poorer school outcomes, such as skipping school, earning lower grades, and reporting fewer educational aspirations. Parental involvement is seen as critical to students’ success, and parents who identify as LGBTQ are highly involved in their children’s schooling. However, some parents can feel marginalized by the school system, hearing anti-LGBTQ language at school, failing to have their family structure recognized during classroom activities, and not feeling welcomed by teachers and other school staff.