What can schools and school staff do to address the health issues of gay and lesbian youth?
In a national conference that focused on the needs of gay and lesbian students, NEA President Bob Chase offered some specific steps: • First and foremost, it is imperative that all school personnel ensure that the school is a safe and healthy place to learn. Harassment, whether physical or emotional, has no place in the school building, and school policy should clearly dictate that such incidents against gay and lesbian youth should be dealt with as severely as those involving any other segment of the student population. • Keep in mind that gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning youth are as diverse as any other segment of the population. Stereotyping perpetuates misinformation and results in a large percentage of gay and lesbian students being overlooked. • Assess your own feelings and behavior regarding gay and lesbian youth, and examine your approachability. Whenever possible, use language that is gender neutral, especially language regarding sex and sexuality. Neutr
