Students who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender and their allies often face many hurdles in high school and college. A vast majority of individuals in the LGBT community report being harassed at school and an alarming number have heard homophobic comments from school staff members. In addition to often being the targets of harassment, LGBT students may have to deal with unfair discrimination, such as not being permitted to wear clothing with pro-gay messages on them, being barred from bringing a partner of the same sex to their school dances, and being discouraged from starting gay-straight alliances in their schools.

The ACLU’s LGBT Project has useful resources for students who wish to know their rights in school and advocate for greater LGBT acceptance in their community. Check out their website here.

Some school districts are being proactive in incorporating sexual orientation into their anti-bullying policies. Read about one recent success story at Brecksville-Broadview Heights City School District in the Gay People’s Chronicle.

Below are other organizations who work with LGBT youth in schools to promote tolerance in learning communities.

• Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

  Equality Ohio

  Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)

  Teaching Tolerance, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center

  
   
  

ACLU of OHIO : Max Wohl Civil Liberties Center : 4506 Chester Avenue : Cleveland, OH 44103

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