Support for LGBTQ youth and their allies remains a controversial issue in the state of Pennsylvania. Last month, high-school students in Chambersburg who attempted to form a gay-straight alliance were defeated when the school board voted 5-4 against them. Despite the fact that these students have the approval of their student council and the support of faculty sponsors, their GSA will not be recognized unless or until the Chambersburg Area School District reverses its decision. (The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and Equality Pennsylvania have said that the board’s decision was a violation of the Equal Access Act, and may file a lawsuit against the school board.) In the meantime, these students are left in limbo.
Recent findings from the National Assembly on School-Based Health Care have shown that 35 percent of LGBTQ students report an increased sense of safety and belonging in schools with GSAs, as compared to 12 percent of students attending schools without GSAs. And 26 percent of students in schools with GSAs reported improved interpersonal relationships with friends and family. Even though the political climate is changing in terms of positive outcomes for LGBTQ students and allies, there is still more work to be done. As some of us know from experience, the impact of bullying extends far beyond the classroom and the schoolyard. According to the It Gets Better campaign and Stop Bullying Now!, the stigma and hostilities youth experience from anti-LGBT bullying makes them prone to health-risk behaviors, such as skipping school, smoking, alcohol and drug use and sexual risk. Out lesbian and gay youth are at a higher risk of bias-related violence, including physical assaults. The hostilities they regularly confront often lead to dangerous behaviors and injurious outcomes, such as dropping out of school, abusing alcohol and illicit drugs, engaging in criminal activity and running away from home. And for every lesbian, gay and bisexual youth who is bullied, four straight students who are perceived to be gay or lesbian are bullied. So the overall effect of bullying goes well beyond LGBTQ youth.
Since 1998, Mazzoni Center’s Ally Safe Schools Program has worked with students, teachers, parents and administrators in the Philadelphia Public School District to help create safer, more welcoming and more inclusive climates for LGBTQ youth, who are by far the most frequently targeted by bullying. The Ally program works to establish and coordinate GSAs in middle and high schools throughout the city, and to provide in-school trainings for students, teachers and staff.
Given the district’s recent decision to close 23 schools, it is imperative we ensure all youth have access to resources that enhance their education and their personal development. We know that students who are forced to change schools may face difficulties during the transition, and that the most vulnerable youth are most likely to be impacted by violence and bullying. Now more than ever it is important to affirm being an Ally means not simply creating a safe space for LGBTQ students but leading others to accept diversity in all forms, through nonviolent interactions.
One way Mazzoni Center works to provide such a space is through its annual LEAD conference, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 6 at Science Leadership Academy, 55 N. 22nd St. LEAD is aimed at any high-school student currently involved or interested in becoming involved in a GSA. Family members, teachers and school faculty are also invited to attend. This free event will include interactive workshops for youth and adults and spoken-word performances, as well as raffles and giveaways (gift cards and Beats By Dre!).
The workshops presented at LEAD are not only designed for students, they are facilitated by the youth themselves, who we call LEADers. This provides a great opportunity for young people and their allies to network, build relationships and develop strategies to create safer schools and stronger GSAs.
LEAD will be seasoned with youth artists, drag performers, poets and dancers, and any youth looking to get involved can email [email protected] or [email protected]. As mentors and educators know, art is one of the most powerful tools in any movement. As we seek to build and create LEADers, we know that turning to the talent in our community is not only crucial, but required.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and there will be snacks throughout the day, as well as SEPTA tokens for transportation.
We look forward to a powerful day filled with passion, fun and transformation!
Call 215-563-0652 ext. 251 to register for the LEAD conference.
Louie Oritz is Mazzoni Center’s education manager, and Jaymie Campbell is the Ally program associate.