Adolescents (N=377) listed the perjoratives they heard at school and identified the ones they considered most taboo. Homophobic perjoratives accounted for 10% of the 6,000 items generated, but were rated much less seriously than either racist abuse or other taboo slang. Boys reported more homophobic perjoratives than girls, but rated them more…

E-mail interviews with 27 self-identified lesbian and bisexual female high school students define homophobia and heterosexism in high schools, explore the impacts of homophobia and heterosexism on students, and propose ways to combat both homophobia and heterosexism in the schools. (SLD)

This curriculum is intended to further thoughtful examination and responsible action among high school students about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues. Unlike other curricula this discussion is not in the context of civil or political rights but in the broader context of human rights. These rights, as defined in the Universal…

Examines the high school experiences of lesbian and gay students through questionnaires completed by 34 students. Most (73.5%) reported receiving support regarding sexual orientation issues from someone at school, and 41.2% reported that information about gay, lesbian, and bisexual issues was available from school staff. However, 35.3% reported a…

Study examines victimization during high school based on sexual orientation of 350 lesbian, gay, or bisexual youths. Over half reported verbal abuse in high school because of their sexual orientation, and 11% said they had been physically assaulted. Youths' current mental health symptoms, especially traumatic stress reactions, were associated with…

Compared the sexual risk taking behaviors of gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) and heterosexual adolescents, evaluating associations between gay-sensitive school HIV instruction and GLB adolescents' risk behaviors. Surveys indicated that GLB students had more high risk behaviors than heterosexual students, and those in schools with gay-sensitive…

Describes a 12-unit teacher-developed secondary education program that seeks to reverse the common bias against gays through information, support groups, and school-community programs. Describes the program's success in a Cambridge (Massachusetts) school. Provides teaching tips for addressing sexuality and a list of resources. (JB)