Issues LGBTQ Students Experience in School

Growing up is hard for just about every kid. But it can be particularly hard if you are LGBTQ+. School can be especially tricky to navigate, as these youths face unique challenges. Here are some of the most common issues LGBTQ+ students experience in school: Bullying LGBTQ+ youths are far more likely to be the targets of bullying, whether that bullying happens in school hallways or on social media. On any given day LGBTQ+ students may face name calling, threats, or even acts of physical violence. And perhaps the worst part is, these may come from other students as well as teachers and staff. Harassment Technically speaking, harassing someone for their sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal. That hardly keeps people from doing it. Harassment at school often causes a toxic and hostile environment, hardly one in which learning is easy. Discrimination There’s discipline, and then there’s discrimination. Often LGBTQ+ youth are disciplined for things their peers are not. For instance, two same-sex students showing affection in the hallway may be disciplined when heterosexual couples are not treated the same way. Loneliness It is common for LGBTQ+ students to feel lonely and isolated in school, depending on where they go to school. While there may be other LGBTQ+ students and staff in schools in bigger cities, those students who live in rural areas may feel absolutely alone. Education is a very big part of the adolescent experience, and days spent in school are some of the most formative of our lives. If you or someone you know is an LGBTQ+ student and facing these types of issues and you’d like to speak to someone, please reach out to me. I work with members of the LGBTQ+ community to help them navigate the unique challenges they face in the word today.

LGBTQ Therapy in Florida

If you’d like to schedule an appointment or get any of your questions answered, please call our office at 954-378-5381  and 561-223-1066 or send us an email at info@caringtherapistsofbroward.com.   Hi, I’m Amanda Walch. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida International University and earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. My clinical experience includes working with individuals 18 and older at a crisis stabilization unit providing individual, group, couple and family counseling, and suicide intervention for clients experiencing crisis and/or experiencing acute exacerbation of mental health symptoms. I also have experience working with children, adolescents, parents and families by providing individual and family therapy to assist families with emotional support, positive parenting skills, treating issues associated with foster care, and providing adoption therapy. I have experience working with a wide range of childhood issues including infant mental health, trauma, sexual/physical abuse, grief/loss, mood disorders, divorce issues, anger issues, anxiety, family issues, school adjustment issues, etc. For more information, visit: https://caringtherapistsofbroward.com/staff/amanda-walch/ SOURCES: https://ct.counseling.org/2018/10/promoting-lgbtq-students-well-being-in-schools/   https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/inclusive-mental-health/lgbtq-youth-problems-faced-in-schools/