{"id":56965,"date":"2017-10-13T18:00:36","date_gmt":"2017-10-13T22:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gayfriendschat.com\/socialblog\/5-ways-to-support-lgbtq-young-people-in-honor-of-spiritday\/"},"modified":"2017-10-13T18:00:36","modified_gmt":"2017-10-13T22:00:36","slug":"5-ways-to-support-lgbtq-young-people-in-honor-of-spiritday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gayfriendschat.com\/socialblog\/5-ways-to-support-lgbtq-young-people-in-honor-of-spiritday\/","title":{"rendered":"5 ways to support LGBTQ young people in honor of #SpiritDay"},"content":{"rendered":"

5 ways to support LGBTQ young people in honor of #SpiritDay<\/b><\/p>\n

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GLAAD<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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LGBTQ (lesbian<\/a>, gay<\/a>, bisexual<\/a>, transgender, and queer) youth disproportionately face bullying and harassment because of their sexual orientations and gender identities. Anti-LGBTQ harassment and discrimination can have serious and damaging consequences, such as negatively impacting a student’s school attendance, GPA, collegiate aspirations, and mental health. GLSEN’s 2015 National School Climate Survey<\/em><\/a> found the following facts about LGBTQ\u00a0students:<\/p>\n

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To counteract these negative trends, millions will go purple this October 19<\/a> in a united stand against bullying and in support of LGBTQ youth. Going purple on Spirit Day<\/a> is an important demonstration of support for young people victimized for their identities. However, our support of students experiencing bullying and harassment also must continue after Spirit Day ends. Here is a list of ways to support LGBTQ students beyond October 19.<\/p>\n

1. Respect pronouns<\/h2>\n

For many transgender and non-binary students, pronouns are an important way of expressing and affirming their gender identity. Using correct pronouns makes transgender and non-binary students feel more comfortable, safe, and respected. You can’t always know what somebody’s pronouns are just by looking at them. When you meet someone, ask them for their pronouns\u2014and introduce yourself with your pronouns, too. Some examples of pronouns are: He\/Him, She\/Her, They\/Them, and Ze\/Hir.<\/p>\n

To learn more about pronouns, how to conjugate pronouns that are unfamiliar to you, and what to do if you make a mistake, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Stand up against anti-LGBTQ language and behavior<\/h2>\n

When you hear anti-LGBTQ comments and jokes, even when they are not directed at a specific person, let the one making the comments know you find them offensive. You don’t have to identify as LGBTQ to be put off by anti-LGBTQ comments and to speak out against them. If you see anti-LGBTQ bullying, let the perpetrator know their behavior is wrong and harmful. If the situation is such in which you do not feel safe intervening, alert a teacher or administrator immediately. If you know someone has experienced anti-LGBTQ bullying, let them know you are on their side and make an effort to spend time with the person at school.<\/p>\n

3. Support LGBTQ people on social media, too<\/h2>\n

Bullying isn\u2019t limited to harassment in the classroom, the hallways or the locker room. Countless kids, teens<\/a>, and young adults are bullied online each and every day \u2013 a phenomenon known as “cyberbullying.” Here are some tips to put an end to anti-LGBTQ cyberbullying.<\/p>\n