Does It Get Better? The Climate for LGBT People in Schools and Communities Over Time

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This session will explore the change in climate over approximately the past 10 years for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and teachers within schools and their communities. The panel of researchers will explore this theme using data from diverse perspectives to uncover what, if any, improvement has been demonstrated for this population, the complex ways in which some members of the LGBT population have experienced improvements and others have not, and how this can impact the practice of school and university personnel and community organizations that undoubtedly serve this population. This growing body of research can also inform the policies created and maintained by school and community leaders and other personnel concerned with serving this clientele.

Sub Unit

• Division E - Counseling and Human Development / Section 1: Counseling

Chair

• Tiffany Wright, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Papers

• When “That’s So Gay” Is Not OK: Trends in Adolescents’ Homophobic Attitudes and Behaviors Over Time - Emily Greytak, GLSEN; Joseph G. Kosciw, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network; Sheri Klein

• Are Schools Becoming More Welcoming for LGBT Students? LGBT Youth on School Climate From 2001 to 2011 - Joseph G. Kosciw, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network; Emily Greytak, GLSEN; Neal A. Palmer, GLSEN:Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network

• The Workplace Climate for LGBT Educators: Has It Improved? - Tiffany Wright, Millersville University of Pennsylvania