Researched and Written By: Mathylda Dulian
In 2022, more than 78% of workplaces prioritized diversity in their corporations (WIW). Workplaces are more accepting, and women have gained respect in their professions. Students of all backgrounds can get higher education. All people have an opportunity to become the most successful versions of themselves possible. While diversity seems inviting from the outside, the harsh realities of underlying challenges remain. The world is still a place where not everyone can grow into their true selves–– this is especially true for LGBTQ+ youth.
Gay youth worldwide are still subjected to extreme bullying, discrimination, and violence simply because of their identities, leading to the development of various mental illnesses. The limits placed on students are administered not only by teachers, adults, and parents but also by their peers. For me, being gay has been a source of limitations and barriers every day. For example, in middle school, I was subjected to intense bullying by my peers after someone found out about a close friend’s sexuality. Because of my friendship with her, everyone at my small Catholic school assumed I was gay. We were very poorly treated, and I was also struggling with my sexuality internally. In my mind, all of my fears of coming out seemed to be confirmed. After I tried to get help, teachers even expressed the same homophobia to me as other kids I knew. In reality, I felt trapped and fell into a deep depression. Many of my peers were able to express similar concerns –– 75% of gay students at my school had witnessed homophobia while in a school setting. My mom and I managed to discuss this a few years later after I made it to therapy. However, not all LGBTQ+ teens are so fortunate to get support.
Schools throughout the nation fail to support or acknowledge LGBTQ+ students. Due to extreme homophobia, religious reasons, or simply fear of disappointing their community, many kids bottle up their issues rather than seek help. Family isn't always helpful either. Some are afraid of upsetting their families and, in extreme conditions, being kicked out of their homes. Gay teens are at a 120% higher risk of homelessness than their straight counterparts. (NN4Y) As a result, gay teens are 3.5 times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight counterparts. (NA) LGBTQ+ mental health is vital, especially for younger teens. By implementing positive mindsets and encouraging positive behavior from a young age, families can combat the issue of suicide, drug abuse, and homelessness. A parent's responsibility is to be there for their children.
Nevertheless, the community needs to step in when parents are unable to do so. The United States has numerous shelters, support groups, and hotlines for needy teens. Although it may not be a permanent situation, it can help teens get back on their feet. Sadly, in other countries, opportunities are less readily available.
Countries worldwide have different standards and expectations of young adults, limiting access to certain expressions or education. Poland, for instance, has other laws and societal norms regarding the LGBTQ+ community. Based on their strict regulations, Poland is voted one of the most inhospitable European countries for gay people to reside in. More than seventy percent of gay youth in Poland reported hiding their sexuality for fear of judgment and homophobia. (RP) The country has almost no healthcare or medical care that can even be provided to gay or trans people, leaving the Polish LGBTQ+ community fending for themselves. Different organizations, like ILGA Europe, work towards fighting for legal freedoms and providing support for LGBT+ Polish people. Is the lack of opportunity for expression what causes their fears, or is it something else? My study aims to compare and bring awareness to the stark contrast between other communities and their effect on the gay youth of the world.
As I write this in June Leaders and activists like Marsha P. Johnson were on the front lines arguing with police, protesting for their rights, and making themselves seen in a world that shut them out.
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Since then, many LGBTQ+ people have continued protesting and rioting for their beliefs. In the 1980s, the mass HIV scare wiped out any gains made by the homosexual community. The HIV epidemic of the 80s demonized the LGBTQ+ community like never before.Despite this setback, gay people continued to push for more rights and the legalization of gay marriage. Since 1999, many US presidents, beginning with Bill Clinton, have proclaimed the month of June as Pride Month. A month to educate and support gay people after decades of mistreatment. However, it wasn't until 2016 that the US government legalized gay marriage in the US. Since then, the public acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community has grown, making it more mainstream. It is common to see gay representation in advertisements, movies, TV shows, stores, etc. Community progress is both inspiring and hopeful for a better future.
Unfortunately, the progress achieved has not erased all of the hatred surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the mainstream influx of gay media globally, many countries still heavily ban being gay or encourage conversion therapy. Much of this discrimination stems from religious beliefs or political beliefs. The progress and history made in the US have had limited reach in countries like Uganda or Lithuania, where hate crimes are frequent and unregulated. Media coverage of the crimes is scarce, and the residents of such countries tend not to take action. Even more accepting nations like the UK see plenty of hate crimes daily. While the UK provides media coverage and spreads awareness about the mass hatred of LGBTQ+ people, not much is being done to help. Most gay news has moved onto social media, where the younger generations raise a storm to combat discrimination.
In 2022, the current teenage generation (Gen Z) will make up a mass portion of social media users. 93% of teens between 14 and 22 use social media. (AY) and 40% of Gen Z claim to be influenced by what they see on Tik Tok. (SS) Teens not only see funny videos and life hacks, but most of their news is absorbed through such platforms. Despite its sometimes unreliable or biased nature, social media is a critical source of information for Gen Z, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ issues.
Many modern-day protests, hate crimes, gay progress, etc., are documented and posted on such platforms, gaining traction among young people. However, this is not the first time Gen Z has seen such an influx of knowledge. Generation Z children have grown up with apps such as Facebook and Instagram and have been surrounded by them their entire lives. They all are accustomed to consuming a large amount of information. So, when it comes to gay news and progress, many teens were on it quickly.
Contrary to earlier gays, who had less access to the world, modern teens have access to a wealth of information at their fingertips. Many teens know about their sexuality younger than other gay adults just because of social media and the internet. As a result, teens are coming out at a greater rate than ever before. According to the Washington Post, 1 in 6 over 18 Gen Z identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the high numbers of gay people and the rise of mainstream representation, teens still are heavily discriminated against. "A 2019 school climate survey showed that 86% of LGBTQ youth reported being harassed or assaulted at school, which can significantly impact their mental health." (NAMI) Increased depression and anxiety are only expected under harsh circumstances for gay youth. Even though support is available in the US, finding a close group of people to support you can be challenging. Life as a gay teenager is not easy. Mental health help can be made available to humanity by spreading awareness and advocating for it.
Moreover, how are gen z teens in other countries exposed to the LGBTQ+ community? For reference, I will use Poland as an example of a different country. In Poland, the word "gay" is still very touchy. Since the legalization of same-sex relationships in 1932, the government has notoriously been one of the most intolerant and discriminatory of LGBTQ+ individuals in the European Union. (ILGA) As a frequent visitor and citizen of Poland myself, it's incredibly heartbreaking seeing news of hate crimes towards gay people throughout the country. For example, in 2019, the town of Białystok held its very first Pride Parade.
The parade attracted thousands of demonstrators from many local towns. However, this pride parade was not full of fun outfits and parade floats like the ones seen in the USA; this parade was a protest against far-right ideology in the country. The demonstrators were met with almost 30 separate far-right protests that acted violently towards the parade and screamed obscene words like "Bialystok free of perverts." Far-right protesters also handed out leaflets claiming the pride parade left "bacteria '' on the streets. (CNN) This example, sadly, is just one of many. Daily many towns are declared "LGBT free zones" where the local government refuses to acknowledge or protect LGBTQ+ rights. The country is full of discriminatory and anti-progressive laws that limit the lives of gay people every day. One can't help but think about how it affects the gay youth of Poland.
I spoke with a 17-year-old from Kraków named Eden. Eden is nonbinary, bisexual, and uses he/him pronouns. I asked for his opinion on the education system in Poland and how young people see the LGBTQ+ community. Eden described witnessing homophobia in his formative years,
...not in high school, but primary school, yes. It was not specifically towards me because that was before I came out, but calling people ‘f*gs,’ etc. It was a constant atmosphere of danger - surrounded by people who declared that they hated homosexuals, that if only they knew someone homosexual, this person would be beaten. Queer people from the school had to listen in silence or exposed themselves to quite immediate danger.
Students across the nation have observed such behaviors. Sadly it hasn't gone away. In 2015 and 2017, two teenagers committed suicide due to being bullied at school for their assumed sexualities. (EURO) The deaths of the two boys shocked the nation but also set a spark for many young activists. Eden now says that his school is mainly tolerant of his sexuality, "I go to a tolerant high school now. Of course, there is a margin of people in school who have a problem with LGBTQ +, but the margin is the key word here, me and other people feel rather safe here." As people have more access to education online, exposure to the community is more accessible for an average person. It can allow more people to support or become allies to the community. 33% of LGBTQ+ students claimed their peers defended them and their rights at school and felt they would do so again. (FRA) This progress in the younger generations is critical to erasing years of hate and violence. When I asked Eden what he thought could be done to encourage more progress, he stated, "I think a greater openness to these topics would be very helpful. Homophobic people from school are homophobic mainly due to the fact that they have not had much exposure to minorities; it seems strange, almost alien to them. A good solution would be to simply be open." Education and exposure are still heavily necessary in schools and at home for kids to grow up with the idea that there isn't anything perverse or malicious about the LGBTQ+ community. Implementing love and acceptance for all is a simple way to help make the world more accepting and happy.
Especially for students, having a support group at school is a great way to help express oneself. Eden states, "The tutor in my class supports me. I am convinced that if she saw or was informed of any manifestation of homophobia or transphobia, she would respond in a solid, helpful manner…I have friends in my school who fully accept me. I don't care much for the rest of the people… I may not be accepted by someone, but they keep it to themselves, so it doesn't really matter." For any student, having a support group of friends and teachers is just one way to maximize the high school experience.
Nevertheless, for minority students, support can be vital for their happiness and mental stability. Clubs and community groups are another way for one to bond with others. But, when asked about the possibility of inclusive clubs at school, Eden said, "No, and I'm not even counting on something like that. Our minister of education is Przemysław Czarnek, an extreme conservative who sometimes holds fascist views, and our curator of education in Małopolska is Barbara Nowak, who is just like Czarnek. While the school staff themselves could agree to something like this, it would quickly be cut at the central level in the name of 'fighting LGBT ideology in schools'" There is strength in numbers. The only way to combat discriminatory ruling is with a large group of people standing up for what is right.
In conclusion, life for LGBTQ+ Polish people is not ideal. But, with the influx of acceptance from the younger generation, more progress is starting. Also, the major television networks in Poland, like TVN or TTV, have tried to make LGBTQ+ more mainstream by subtly including gay couples in shows or having queer television hosts. The journey to acceptance and freedom in Poland is just beginning. Still, in the USA, the fight is only getting stronger and stronger.
Living in the USA, I have experienced or seen various homophobic acts or messages being shared. As I shared earlier, I have been a victim of homophobic bullying in school. Even though there are many openly LGBTQ+ students at my school and in various community groups, the margin of homophobic people only seems to grow. After speaking with Eden, I wanted to get a comparison with a fellow gay student in the US named Sophia. I asked Sophia the same questions I asked Eden. I asked her to share if she had witnessed any homophobic experiences. She said,
I used to be bullied for being gay all of my freshman year, before I had even come out or realized I was gay. They would make jokes in the locker room, while changing for basketball, that I was checking them out and everyone should watch out. If I was minding my own business they would say I was looking at their a** or their b**bs, when I clearly wasn't… It caused me to be extremely scared and paranoid that people knew things I didn't, and that my friends would think I was crushing on them. Besides that and all the series of events associated with that I have heard people scream gay slurs in the hallway and in classrooms. They say it's meant as a joke, but everyone knows it's not.
Many students in the US have a dilemma. On the one hand, many people in society have accepted LGBTQ+ people and celebrated them. However, on the other hand, in many schools in the US, students experience extreme bullying for expressing their sexualities and are forced to keep it under wraps. Just last year, 9 out of 10 LGBTQ+ students reported being a victim of bullying and or harassment (SOB). However, in the US, our strength comes in numbers.
Most kids can find community quickly based on the way they dress or what classes they take. Inclusive clubs and activities are prominent in our school. Many teachers also accept and can serve as role models or supportive adults for any teen. Sophia said,
I feel accepted for the most part at my school. It is nice that basically everyone knows I am gay, both because of my reputation and how I look/dress. Teachers know and are very accommodating and accepting… I am close with a ton of my teachers and know they are supportive. Most of the teachers I am close with are part of why I feel safe at school.
Teachers can allow their students to feel welcome in a multitude of ways. Any form of verbal or nonverbal support is a small step that can alter the course of an LGBTQ+ student in many ways.
Some teachers have pride flags or pins or posters. That type of stuff along with discussions inside the classroom allow LGBTQ students to feel comfortable opening up and connecting with the staff and teachers about how they feel. Staff and teacher support is arguably just as important as peer support. They can be an adult in the lives of kids who might now have supportive adults in their personal life. Knowing the adults around you are going to perfect you and stand up for you is a game changer in feeling safe and accepted.
The only way to allow for LGBTQ+ kids to thrive is to help build a more inclusive and unstigmatized "safe space" for all students. Most importantly, continuing to normalize LGBTQ+ education on critical historical events can help more students be accepted.
Even though our school has many inclusive clubs and "safe spaces," students may feel threatened. Sophia stated,
My school has so many different clubs, so it is no surprise that there are some inclusive clubs. Fem power and the LGBTQ club, I'm not sure the actual name, both come to mind. I just wish the LGBTQ club was less stigmatized. There is a reputation that it is weird or that only furries join or whatever, but I wish more straight people and gay people joined, including myself, without worrying about being teased…On the one hand if we incorporate LGBTQ education in advisories or assemblies, kids will find reasons to reject the message. If we do nothing, time might push progress forward, but it's hard to say that when the Supreme Court and the world at large feels like it's regressing. I think it might be helpful to read literature and discuss LGBTQ authors in English, without making their identity the whole point. Talking about these issues as if they are just as important and normal as any other oppressed group. Educating people subtlety in history, English, or other subjects."
These methods are proving to be effective and helpful ways that schools can help students worldwide feel comfortable in their learning environments. (SB) Sophia is a prime example of someone who has taken the negativity and continued advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Not giving up and pushing schools and parents to continue educating and normalizing equality is essential.
To conclude, around the world, most LGBTQ+ teens face serious issues with their sexuality. Whether it is bullying, lack of education on the topic, unaccepting family, or a lack of community, these issues are very prominent and exist everywhere. The best thing for LGBTQ+ students is not to stop advocating for their rights and freedoms as people. Fighting bills, like the ones passed in Texas calling transgender hormone therapy for children "child abuse" or taking trans kids out of sports, is just the start. (BUT) Giving up should never be an option, especially for the future of our LGBTQ+ kids who want to live their lives happily and as themselves. After this project I walk away as more than a kid who wants to make a difference, but someone who is motivated to make that change and stand up for the rights of my community worldwide. The opportunity to speak to other students across the globe was not only eye opening but touching. As a Polish person myself, I see my country as scary and primitive in the eyes of LGBTQ+ rights. But, researching, learning, and talking is what can change your perspective and give hope a proper platform. If you or someone else knows an LGBTQ+ child struggling or needing support in the USA, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the CDC can provide support. In Poland, the Equaversity Foundation supports smaller foundations scattered in Poland. And OK2BME.ca has a complete list of various international resources for the LGBTQ+ community. Always advocate for what you believe is right.
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