As students return to classrooms after a prolonged absence, the atmosphere is anything but normal due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding COVID-19. While children tend to be adaptable, the return to school is fraught with anxiety stemming from masking debates and the potential for school closures. For LGBTQIA+ students, this return brings additional layers of stress and concern. The pandemic has hit queer youth particularly hard, emphasizing the urgent need for schools to create safe and inclusive environments.
LGBTQIA+ students often face heightened anxiety and are more vulnerable to bullying, depression, and self-harm compared to their heterosexual peers. According to The Trevor Project’s National 2021 Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, a staggering 80% of queer youth reported that the pandemic worsened their living conditions. Additionally, half of these young people felt that their ability to express their sexuality was restricted, while 60% of nonbinary and transgender youth indicated their ability to be authentic was negatively impacted. For many, the isolation of lockdown was detrimental, though some found it to be a time for reflection on their identities.
While about one-third of parents accept their LGBTQIA+ children immediately, many are either struggling to accept or outright rejecting them. In these cases, schools become a crucial refuge where students can seek acceptance and support.
The proactive protection of LGBTQIA+ students should never be viewed as controversial or burdensome. It is imperative for schools to champion the rights of queer students, especially those who are transgender, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming. Unfortunately, some states and school districts have enacted discriminatory policies that restrict where transgender students can use restrooms or prevent transgender girls from competing in sports. Such anti-trans bills create additional barriers for students already facing a challenging environment.
Statistics indicate that 70% of LGBTQ students endure verbal harassment regarding their sexual orientation, and a mere 26% of those surveyed in the Human Rights Campaign LGBTQ Youth Survey feel safe in their classrooms. Alarmingly, only 5% reported that all of their teachers and school staff were supportive of queer individuals. This situation is unacceptable and entirely preventable.
Schools can implement inclusivity training for staff, establish clear anti-discrimination policies, take a strong stance against bullying related to gender identity and expression, provide diverse reading materials, and adopt inclusive health and sex education curricula. When LGBTQIA+ students receive unequivocal support from their schools, bullying rates decline significantly. Often, having just one supportive adult can greatly reduce the risk of harm for a queer youth—teachers can be that pivotal figure.
No family or student should be forced to conform to heteronormative ideals. Students should not be ostracized, bullied, or marginalized for not fitting into societal norms regarding gender and sexuality. It is unacceptable for any child to feel confined by outdated stereotypes.
If educators are unable or unwilling to support LGBTQIA+ students, they should reconsider their roles in the school system. Parents and queer youth have every right to demand inclusive policies. Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a statement emphasizing the importance of protecting transgender students, acknowledging the stress they face, and outlining the resources available to them.
The ongoing attacks on transgender students and the mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic weigh heavily on LGBTQIA+ youth. If schools neglect the needs of queer students, they fail to provide equitable educational opportunities. While many queer kids are anxious about returning to school, there are numerous actions schools can take to ease their transition, and they must act without delay.
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Summary:
The protection and support of LGBTQIA+ students in schools should be a fundamental priority and not a topic of debate. As students return to classrooms amidst ongoing challenges, schools must create safe environments that are inclusive and affirming of all identities. With proactive measures, such as anti-discrimination policies and supportive staff, schools can significantly improve the mental health and overall well-being of their LGBTQIA+ students.
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