Surveyed college dormitory residents regarding their personal comfort with lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) students. Results highlighted widespread pluralistic ignorance. Students typically rated themselves as less anti-gay than other students. Building of residence significantly predicted students' attitudes. Perceiving that one or two LGB…

This paper examines narratives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered youth who have not been silenced or disenfranchised and who have not felt powerless in the face of society's resentment and understanding of their lifestyle. Elements in school, at home, with the extended family networks, among peers, and particular interpersonal dynamics…

Examines the impact of heterosexism on all children, noting that it is part of the educational infrastructure. Provides educators and administrators with information about the developmental nature of sexual identity, and offers preliminary recommendations about how educational institutions can begin developing a more open community that celebrates…

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…

Explores the importance, rationale, process, and effective use of lesbian, gay, and bisexual speakers' panels as an educational tool to combat homophobia. Successful panels create an atmosphere of emotional safety for panelists and participants. Panels emphasize the sharing of life experiences and facilitate applying the understanding gained to…

Argues that gay issues should be recognized and discussed in schools, and cites the killing of Matthew Shepard as an example of hatred perpetuated through ignorance. Outlines the need for straight allies to stand up for gay students whenever they can, and suggests ways straight teachers can show their gay colleagues that they are sensitive to the…

The arrival of an openly non-heterosexual camper caused a North Carolina camp to reexamine its policies. Challenges facing gay, lesbian, bisexual, and questioning (GLBQ) youths are discussed, and nine ideas for creating a safe environment for all campers and staff are described. Four resources for camp professionals on GLBQ youth are presented.…

Describes how staff members at one school instituted a gay/straight alliance (gsa). Cites books that can help educate people on the issues. Discusses initial preparations; advertisement of the meetings; establishment of ground rules; speakers; implementation of a staff in-service; the importance of straight allies; and ways teachers and librarians…

Surveyed lesbian, gay, and bisexual student affairs professionals about work experiences related to their sexual orientation. Findings indicate that lesbian, gay, and bisexual professionals who were open to all people at work reported experiencing more discrimination in their careers than those less open. Other findings are discussed. (RJM)

Ten themes emerged from a national survey (n=270) on biased and exemplary practice concerning lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues. Methodology, theme descriptions, and implications for practice are presented. (Author)

Students who attended presentations by lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals were asked to write about their experiences (n=260). Student writings were analyzed to determine how they perceived and explained their own changes as a result of attending the panel. (JBJ)

Contends that schools are obligated to address unique needs of homosexual youth because of their increased risk for suicide, abuse from peers, truancy, dropping out of school, and lower self-esteem. Proposes that schools develop a diversity room and have a diversity room specialist to meet needs of homosexual adolescents and to encourage a safe,…

Heterosexism and homophobia, revealed by surveys to be common on university campuses, must be countered by positive, proactive administrative and faculty action, including statements of nondiscrimination, equal treatment, unequivocal response to acts and words of intolerance, and encouragement of research and curriculum on this and related issues.…

Argues that all children have the right to a safe environment in which to learn, and the right to achieve their full human potential, no matter what their sexual orientation. Highlights needs of gay, lesbian, and bisexual students in schools. Examines challenges in personnel, curriculum, policies, and parental involvement facing…

This booklet discusses issues facing sexual minority students. An introduction presents the National Association of School Psychologists' (NASP's) position statement on gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth. Section 1 highlights: "Violence, Homophobia, and Prejudice" (e.g., anti-gay harassment in schools documented, violence prevention, and a…