Changes in School Climate for LGBTQ Youth: 1999 to 2019

• In Event: Schools Working to Support Gender and Sexual Diversities

Abstract

In the past 20 years, great strides have been taken in improve the educational experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth to attend safe and affirming schools, yet also recent actions, particularly at the federal level, that may increase harm for these youth. In this paper, we explore changes in the LGBTQ student experience over the past two decades, using data from a biennial survey on school climate of LGBTQ students conducted between 1999 to 2019. We examine differences in indicators of a hostile school climate, e.g., hearing homophobic remarks and experiences of harassment and assault, and in the availability of positive resources for LGBTQ students in their schools, e.g., supportive teachers, and positive curricular resources.

Authors

• Joseph G. Kosciw, GLSEN:Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network

• Nhan Truong, GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network

• Caitlin Clark, GLSEN:Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network

• Adrian Zongrone, GLSEN:Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network