Your gay child may ace Algebra I this year, but don’t think his social life will be as easy. According to a 2009 survey by the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN), nearly two thirds of gay and lesbian teens feel unsafe in school.
Unfortunately, untrained teachers, and even principals, in middle and high schools often don’t take action to protect your student from bullying or hurtful remarks such as “that’s so gay” meaning that’s so lame.
Fortunately, parents have an ally in GLSEN. This leading national education organization fights to end anti-gay bias in K-12 schools. It has step-by-step guides to hosting educator, community training programs as well as age-appropriate anti-bullying measures such as Gay-Straight Alliances.
To find a chapter near you, visit this website: GLSEN
When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need To Know
For more detailed advice, see book, co-authored with a mother of a gay son and a psychiatrist, Jonathan L. Tobkes, M.D.
