The everyday conflict faced by the average LGBTQ student is easily overlooked. Lingering in mind is the constant fear of physical or emotional abuse from peers—in hallways, locker rooms, and even classrooms. Rejecting (and ridiculing) homosexuality has become a social norm.
Intentional or not, words like “fag” and phrases like “that’s so gay” are thrown around too loosely by fellow students. Last year, nearly nine out of ten LGBTQ students reported being verbally harassed during the school year according to the Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)’s research brief.
In a more ideal world, the subject of one’s sexual orientation should not be a cause of alienation; but with circling debates of same-sex marriage, reports of LGBT hate crimes in Long Beach, and reports of anti-gay funding from companies like Chick-Fil-A, it is clear why some students feel like an outsider.
GLSEN may have a solution.
As of August 12, the GLSEN will be partnering with The Center Long Beach for the Safe Space Campaign. Initially started in 2010, the program is dedicated to creating a safe environment by teaching teachers and students alike to be an LGBTQ ally. This is not limited to a specific classroom or club, but expectantly the entire campus at each school participating.
In the fall, trained volunteers will visit every Long Beach Unified middle and high school and present the Safe Space Kit donated by GLSEN. These presentations will be seen by every teacher during his or her free period. After success in the LAUSD and San Diego School District, the campaign was given the green-light in Long Beach by the school board.
The kit, which is originally valued at $20, is designed as a tool to help educators create a safe campus. It covers a range of topics, from key issues to a glossary for LGBT terms. Along with the printed guide, the kit includes posters and stickers with the intention of a Safe Space poster in every classroom; to ensure this, the American Civil Liberties Union is donating 1,200 Safe Space Posters.
The campaign is not expected to be taken to the highest level of severity with all educators, however, the passing of Seth’s Law (AB 9) could quickly change this. As of July 1, teachers and administrators are legally required to intervene in LGBTQ bullying.
The results of these actions are yet to be seen. With groups and organizations such as The Center and the LBUSD waiting optimistically, these actions may lead to a big change.