Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adolescent School Victimization: Implications for Young Adult Health and Adjustment

What does the research say?

Research on 245 LGBT young adults (ages 21-25) reveals that adolescent school victimization due to actual or perceived LGBT status has significant negative long-term effects on mental health and sexual health risk behaviors. Those who experienced high levels of LGBT-related school victimization were 2.6 times more likely to report clinical depression, 5.6 times more likely to have attempted suicide, and more than twice as likely to report STD diagnoses and HIV risk behaviors compared to those with low victimization. Notably, elevated depression and suicidal ideation among males could be explained by their higher rates of LGBT school victimization. The researchers conclude that reducing LGBT-related school victimization through comprehensive policies and programs would result in significant long-term health gains and reduce health disparities, making this both an educational and public health priority.

Why is it important?

This study is important because it provides clear evidence of the lasting harmful effects of LGBT-related school victimization into young adulthood, moving beyond correlational studies that only examine immediate impacts. By demonstrating that school victimization directly contributes to significant health disparities for LGBT individuals – including dramatically increased rates of depression, suicide attempts, and sexual health risks – it establishes a compelling public health rationale for implementing comprehensive safe school programs. The research helps identify which students are most vulnerable (particularly males experiencing gender-based victimization) and provides evidence that even modest reductions in school victimization could result in significant long-term health gains, making this issue both an educational and public health priority rather than simply a matter of school climate.

What are the implication for education?

This study has several important implications for education:

The research demonstrates that schools need to implement specific policies and programs to create safer environments for LGBT students. These include having clear and inclusive anti-discrimination policies that specifically mention LGBT identity and gender expression, ensuring students know where to find support for LGBT concerns, training staff to intervene when bias-motivated harassment occurs, supporting gay-straight alliances and student-sponsored diversity clubs, and integrating LGBT issues into the curriculum.

These evidence-based approaches are shown to promote safer school climates for all students, both LGBT and heterosexual. However, the researchers note that “the politics of sexual orientation too often get in the way of the implementation of such policies and programs in US schools,” highlighting the need for continued advocacy.

The findings establish that creating safe learning environments isn’t just about improving school climate—it’s a critical public health intervention that can significantly reduce long-term health disparities. Reducing LGBT-related school victimization should therefore be “an educational and public health priority” that requires a coordinated approach from both educators and health professionals.

The study emphasizes that for many LGBT students, “school victimization has resulted in school failure, poorer grades, and restricted life chances that limit vocational and career development and undermine their human potential”—underscoring that addressing victimization is also essential for educational equity and achievement.

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