Tormenting of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Teens at Schools Must End

With today's, May 30,2001, release of the Human Rights Watch Report on Hatred in the Hallways.

We see yet again the horrific treatment our gay youth must endure at schools each day. ABC.com

posted an article on results of HRW and included an interview with 16 year old Dominick Halse.

Dominick spoke openly about how he had considered suicide as the years of torment almost made

his life not worth living. We know all to well, this is a choice far to many of our gay youth have

thought about. And far to many have gone on to stop the tormenting, by ending their lives. Reuters

news release was posted on Iwon.com with additional details on the HRW Report. The taunting and

bullying also, prevents Gay Students from receiving an adequate education. This was another aspect

that was brought out in the HRW Report. We can only hope, this reports findings don't fall on deaf as

so many before it. It is up to us to help the powers that be see and hear these results, as usual. You

can read HRW's Report on their web site, [See link third globe from the top to left.]. Plan on sending

We wonder how could this continue and so little done to stop it. How many Robbie's is it going to take.

Again the powers that be, refuse to act and insist they know what's best. They fail to see that one Bill,

is one Jacob to many. A recent American Journal of Public Heath study found, Gay Students attacked

less in schools with sensitivity training. If, legislation to protect students isn't forth coming. Then our

schools should, at the least, conduct sensitivity training. It may not be the cure, however, it will help

The HRW Report is further evidence of what most have known for many years. In March of last year,

a survey of Massachusetts high school students found an alarming 97 percent of students said they heard "homophobic remarks regularly" from their student peers.The most alarming result reported was that 53

percent of students said they heard "school staff members" making the homophobic remarks. Homophobic atmosphere so prevalent in our schools, it continues to flourish and remain a constant daily threat to the

lives of the gay students. A study completed that same year looked deeper into the dangers of Homophobia

in our schools. What became evident should have convinced the strongest dis-believers, that homophobic

attitudes are prevalent in our schools and a great danger to gay students. The study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health and State of Massachusetts Education Department found that gay students are four times as likely, as heterosexual students, to be threatened with a "weapon at school". This study further

found that the homophobic atmosphere was so dehumanizing to gay youth's emotional state that they were

three to seven times more likely to attempt suicide. The Results of Survey, Study and Commentary.

If the school staff, administration and officials are unable to or not the least bit willing to stem the tide of homophobia or the anti-gay atmosphere in our schools. So we turn to our Legislative Lawmakers for their

help in protecting our gay youth. Ignoring the Scouts Ban on Gays has a damaging effect on Gay Teens.

But, we find Legislators concerns are in keeping Boy Scouts in schools, and not with getting homophobic

torment out. They are once again turning their backs on our gay youth's plight, in favor of the Religious

Rights agenda. They are about to pass legislation to Protect the Boy Scouts from being denied access to

our schools. A group, in no need of such protection, because access has not been denied. However, they

feel it is more important, to protect the Scouts from a situation that might, may or maybe take place in

future. Thus, refusing to protect our gay youth, who are in desperate need of protection. Who suffer from

a situation that, is, has been and continues to cause much fear, ridicule, severe emotional distress and

With their desire to please and support the agenda of the Religious Right, our gay youth is paying dearly

for their actions. Such actions are directly opposite to pledges made in our Constitution and Bill of Rights.

How is it possible, a gay teen can suffer such brutality, lawmakers can insist new legislation or protections

are not called for? Just the possibility Scouts might be denied access to schools does require the Scouts be granted special rights as a "Protected Group". They continue to dismiss or ignore findings of panels who

find that gay teens need to be protected in our schools. This must not be allowed to go on. We must make

Weigh your attitudes & beliefs on homosexuals. See how you rank

on "Homophobia Scale". After getting results, use you browser back

June 21, 2001: A Gay student's quest to help other gay students deal with

homophobia in their school. Attempts to organize Gay Straight Alliance, are

shot down. But, not willing to give up and with help from Atlanta UCLA ,

Principal see the light. or lawsuit, relents. Alex succeeds another Gay/Straight

Alliance is born, students have hope for better conditions for them..

June 19, 2001: Some are say slurs increasing as gay visibility rises.

June 24, 2001: Some arguing the numbers 2 Million gay students bullied in

A young man forced at 13 to endure six years of reparative therapy. Taunted,

Bullied and an outcast at school. Finally, thrown out of parents house when they

found support info from gay organizations. This proof positive we have to help

our gays teens from enduring the same treatment as Jason. WARNING: Article

Has lead the charge in the battle to end anti-gay bias in our schools. Keeping the

plight of gay teen students in the press and the minds of Lawmakers. In an effort

to get legislation passed to protect gay teen in schools. To create an environment

of harmony and understanding for all students regardless of sexual orientation.

Read article Rising Level of Abuse in Schools. View their web site, click logo.

Resources, Information, Photo's and Graphics Used in preparing or posted in this report.

Globe Graphic. > Human Rights Watch > [Link] The Rainbow Network > [Link]

ABC NEWS.com >[Link] ABC Photo Credit > Dominick Halse. I Won.com >[ Link ]

Washington Post > [Link] S. F. Gate > [Link] Miami Herald >[Link] Gay.com. >[Link]
The Gay Financial Network > [Link] Frontline Homophobia Questionnaire> [Link]

Tucson Citizen > [Link] > Tucson Citizen Photo Credit > Jason Cianciotto.