LGBTQA
SPEEC is concerned with the well-being of all children and youth and is not affiliated with any specific political or religious entity. This page is intended for parents/guardians, educators, children & youth, and Allies who are seeking support and information in this area. Thank You.
GLSEN 2015 Research Results
The information below is referenced from a presentation by Dr. Elana Betts, Certified School Psychologist, CCIU
Becoming an Ally
Characteristics of an Ally
- Belief in the quality and dignity of people who are different from themselves
- commitment to understanding others experiences
- Willingness to stand up both publicly and privately against prejudice and discrimination and for the rights of marginalized or target group
- Recognition of their own place (of privilege or marginalization) in relation to the issues involved in the school system
- Willingness to engage in the personal growth necessary to be truly supportive
- Ability to look at both individual and societal issues of Power, bias, and discrimination
- Courage to interrupt the treatment of others-not by rescuing, taking care of, or taking over from them, but by standing shoulder to shoulder with those in need, 8) willingness to “do the best they can“, knowing that being an ally isn’t always easy and sometimes involves risks, mistakes, or times of discomfort.
Suicide and LGBTQA Youth
(Suicide Prevention Training Resource Center, 2014)
- LGBTQA youth are one and a half to three times more likely to report suicidal ideation then non--LGBTQA youth
- LGBTQA youth are 2-7 times more likely to have said they have attempted suicide then non-LGBTQA youth
- There is no reliable or official way to determine rates of suicide death in people who are LGBTQA because death reports and certificates do not usually include the person sexual orientation
Protective factors for LGBTQA Youth
- Family connectedness (Eisenberg and Resnick, 2006)
- Family acceptance (Ryan, et al, 2009)
- Safe schools (Eisenberg & Resnick, 2006)
- Caring adult (Eisenberg & Resnick, 2006)
- High self-esteem (Fenaughty & Harre, 2003)
- Positive role models (Fenaughty & Harre, 2003)
Risk factors for ALL Youth (Berman ETAL., 2006)
- Previous attempt(s)
- Mental illness
- Substance use disorder
- Significant negative personality traits-parent/s with mental illness
- Isolation
- Hopelessness
Risk factors for LGBTQA Youth
- Gender nonconformity (Fitz Patrick ET AL, 2005)
- Internal conflict about sexual orientation(Savin-Williams 1990)
- Early coming out (D’Augelli et al, 2005)
- Low family connectedness (Eisenberg & Resnick, 2006)
- Lack of adult caring (Eisenberg & Resnick, 2006)
- Unsafe school (Eisenberg & Resnick, 2006)
- Family rejection (Ryan ET AL 2009)
- Victimization (Bontempo & D’Augelli 2002, Russell & Joyner 2001)
- Bullying (suicide prevention resource center 2011)
- Stigma and discrimination (Haas, et al, 2001)
Resources
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network)
New York, New York 10038
212-727-0135
www.glsen.org
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) -Welcoming Schools
www.welcomingschools.org
Trevor Project
www.thetrevorproject.org
Trevor Crisis Hotline 1-866-488-7386
GLBT national help center www.glbthotline.org
GLBT National Youth Hotline
1-800-246-PRIDE
Gay-Straight Alliance (Gender & Sexualities Alliance)
www.gsanetwork.org
415-352-4229
Local:
SPOT Chester County’s LBGTQA Youth Group (Thursday evenings)
267-687-6648
LGBTQA Equality Alliance of Chester county www.lgbteachesco.org
PFLAG of Chester County-Parents Family and Friends of LGBTQ
West Chester PA
484-354-2448