School Environment for LGBTQ/Sexual Minority Youth

There has been growing attention in the last decade to the school experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) or sexual minority youth. Unlike youth of prior generations, contemporary LGBTQ youth have opportunities to 'come out' in their families, communities, and schools, a factor that has changed the climate at school for all students. This article provides an overview of homophobia and bullying at school. Consistent with recent research in this area, it considers both individual student experiences as well as broader questions about school climates of safety and support for LGBTQ students and their heterosexual allies. A number of strategies to promote positive school climates for LGBTQ and all students have been proposed in recent years, and are reviewed: nondiscrimination and antibullying laws and policies, curricular inclusion, and school-based clubs such as gay-straight alliances. In closing, implications are considered for future research, policies, and programs to support the health and development of LGBTQ youth in schools.