From HRC: BREAKING — HRC AND UCONN RELEASE GROUNDBREAKING SURVEY OF 12,000 LGBTQ TEENS NATIONWIDE: At a press conference this morning, the HRC Foundation in partnership with the University of Connecticut released the largest-of-its-kind survey ever of more than 12,000 LGBTQ teenagers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., revealing the persistent challenges so many of them face going about their daily lives at home, at school and in their communities. Said HRC President Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin),“These harrowing statistics show the devastating toll rejection by family and peers, bullying and harassment, and apathy on the part of too many adults is having on America’s young people. When this administration rescinds guidance protecting transgender students, or when lawmakers attempt to grant a license to discriminate to schools, colleges, and universities, it further erodes the fragile landscape for young people across the nation. Now more than ever, it is crucial for each of us to do all we can to protect LGBTQ youth and ensure they feel valued, equal, and loved.” Read Amy Ellis Nutt’s (@amyellisnutt) piece on the survey in The Washington Post.
Findings from the report include:
• Seventy-seven percent of LGBTQ teenagers surveyed report feeling depressed or down over the past week;
• More than 70 percent report feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness in the past week.
The good news — 91 percent of youth report feeling pride in being an LGBTQ person, and 93 percent are proud to be a part of the community. And three out of five LGBTQ students say they have access to a LGBTQ student club, which has been shown to have a positive impact on the perceptions LGBTQ youth have of their school experiences and can provide support to those who may face hostile environments at home or in their communities. Read the full report here.
WISE 