Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth
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Being a friend and ally
Speak up. As with any other harassment, your silence when you witness harassment will send the message that you support and approve of the harassment.
Stop the rumors. Rumors about a person's sexual orientation or activity can be very damaging in a high school. Don’t help spread rumors. If someone gossips to you, let it end with you – don’t pass it on to others. You can even tell that person you’re not interested.Never blame a LGBTQ friend for being open about their identity when others subject them to harassment or violence. And don’t allow other people to blame a LGBTQ friend for their own mistreatment.
Be accepting. LGBTQ youth should be afforded the same rights and privileges that non-LGBTQ youth have regarding dating, displays of affection and romantic relationships. It’s important for LGBTQ youth to be able to express age-appropriate romantic behavior, and to feel validated and worthy.
Display LGBTQ-supportive symbols such as pink triangles, rainbows or safe zone stickers. You will send the clear message you support and affirm LGBTQ youth and are open to discussing LGBTQ issues. LGBTQ youth are quick to pick up on these cues from their environment, and it often makes an enormous difference just having them displayed.
Help them find resources and peers. Help reduce the alienation and isolation LGBTQ youth often experience by helping them find supportive organizations like PFLAG. Interacting positively with their LGBTQ peers will help them realize that they’re not alone and that other people their age share their experiences.
adapted from www.lambalegal.org
