Bullying Of LGBT Youth And School Climate For LGBT Educators

Abstract

Abstract: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students continue to report more often than their heterosexual peers, through repeated studies (Kosciw, et al, 2010), a much higher incidence of experiencing bullying and harassment in schools. These students also reported a higher degree of isolation and few role models in schools. This paper discusses and relates results from a 2011 study during which teachers who self-identified as LGBT completed a survey to provide information on the workplace climate. Results demonstrated that LGBT educators, on the whole, still operate under a “don’t ask don’t tell” type of climate. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations made for school leaders on how to create safe workplace environments for LGBT educators and how that will likely result in a decrease in bullying, especially of LGBT students.