Why Our Work is Important
Schools exist to broaden students' knowledge and to unite communities around a common set of values. Educators today have many responsibilities but are always focused on building a learning community to support their students. Maslow (1954) notes that in order for learning to occur, people must feel safe in their environments and have a sense of belonging.
Anti-gay harassment and bullying is an under-acknowledged threat in our schools. The Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey of 2003 shows that GLB (gay, lesbian, and bisexual) students are at much greater risk of being victimized and attempting suicide compared to their non-GLB counterparts:
+ 40.4% of GLB students reported attempting suicide in the last year compared to 7.2% their non-GLB peers.
+ 18.3% of GLB students required medical attention as a result of a suicide attempt compared to 2.2% of non-GLB students.
+ 16.3% of GLB students skipped school in the past month because of feeling unsafe on route to or at school compared to 4.2% of non-GLB students.
+ 19.2% of GLB students were threatened or injured with a weapon at school compared to 5.8% of non-GLB students.
However, data also shows that proactive work in the school environment makes a difference:
The Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey of 2003 shows that schools with a Gay-Straight Alliance or similar group have significantly lower incidences of GLB students skipping school because they feel unsafe; lower rates of GLB students being threatened or injured with a weapon at school; and a lower rate of suicide attempts. (Goodenow and Szalacha, 2003)
For more information about why our work is important, please download this PDF file summarizing the 2003 National School Climate Survey.
We gratefully accept online donations through Network For Good.
Student membership is $15. Regular membership is $35. Everyone is encouraged to send as much as they can afford.
You may also mail your donation or membership to us at:
GLSEN Boston
31 Heath Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
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