Exploring School Victimization and Weapon Carrying Among Military-Connected LGBT Youth in California Schools

• In Event: 41.083 - Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: 41.083-22 - LGBTQ+ Lives: Beyond Safety and Inclusion

Abstract

LGBT youth in military families experience deployment stress and multiple school transitions, as well as harassment and discrimination stemming from stigmatized sexual and gender identities. As a group, they are vulnerable to victimization and violence in schools. To the authors’ knowledge, no empirical studies have yet explored the schooling experiences of LGBT youth in military families. Drawing from a statewide sample of middle and high school youth in California (n=634,500), this study examines school victimization and violence among LGBT youth in military families. The results indicate that military-connected LGBT students have elevated rates of physical violence, nonphysical victimization and weapon carrying. The findings inform future school-based interventions and supports for military-connected LGBT youth.

Authors

• Kris M. De Pedro, Chapman University

• Monica Christina Esqueda, Old Dominion University