May 25th marks the first ever National LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) Youth Awareness Week! This week serves to raise awareness for LGBTQ issues impacting youth and to empower people to work toward solutions in the LGBTQ movement. Issues being addressed during this week are violence, homelessness, school and community safe spaces, and resources for staying healthy.
Did you know…
• 5-10% of the general public is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender
• 28% of lesbian, gay and bisexual youth drop out of school because of verbal or physical harassment by other students
• LGBTQ youth are at an increased risk of homelessness, dropping out of school, physical or emotional abuse, depression, substance abuse, rape and suicide.
What Can I Do?
• Advocate for fairness and equality for all people
• Don’t use derogatory words, anti-gay jokes, or stereotypes to describe LGBTQ people
• Start a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) at your school
• Speak out against anti-gay behavior
• Attend an event to support gay rights
For more information on this campaign or to advocate for LGBTQ youth, please visit the National Youth Advocacy Coalition
Source: Lambda Legal
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