Students who are gay or lesbian, bisexual or transgendered are perhaps the most under-served students in the educational system. Harassment, prejudice, discrimination, and abuse all to often interfere with personal and academic development (Uribe, 1995). For these reasons, it is extremely important and necessary that teachers, administrators and staff are trained/educated about the issues of homosexuality so they know how and can deal with homophobia in the classroom and in the hallways of schools. Teacher education needs to be mandated so homosexuality can be freely discussed in the classroom without making anyone feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. Curriculum needs to be inclusive of gay and lesbians and issues of homosexuality so those students who are gay, lesbian, or questioning can see and understand that there are people like them and so they can develop a positive sexual identity. The creation of Gay/Straight Alliances is needed to help create a safe space for glbt students and staff who have to deal with the pressures of homophobia on a daily basis. In a country where the educational mission is to leave no child behind, educators, counselors, and administrators need to be working very hard to create safe, harassment free environments. We need make the journey of growing up and becoming educated easier for all students.
 
 
 
 
 
 

References
Besner, Kilda, and Spungin, Charolette, 1995. Gay and Lesbian Students: Understanding Their Needs. Washington     D.C., Taylor and Francis.

Bickmore, Kathy, 1999. Why Discuss Sexuality in Elementary Schools: in Letts, William J. IV, and Sears, James T, eds. Queering Elementary Education: Advancing the Dialogue about Sexualities and Schooling. Rowman and Little Field Publishers, New York.

Bull, Chris, 2000, Ahead of the Class: Anthony Colin and his peers take on a school district for their right to be out: The Advocate, April 11, 2000 issue, pg. 24-27

Bailey, Norma J., and Phariss, Tracy, 1996. Breaking through the wall of silence: Gay, lesbian, and bisexual issues for middle level educators: Middle School Journal, v. 27, n.3. (On- line), Available: <http://www.glsenco.org/Educators/Teachers/NMSA%20article.html>

Colorado Department of Health, 1992. Adolescent health in Colorado: Statistics, implication and strategies for action: Report and Recommendations of the Advisory Council on Adolescent Health. Denver, Colorado, Author.
 

Dunham, K.L., 1989. Educated to be invisible: The gay and lesbian adolescent: University of Southern Maine, U.S. Department of Education.

GLSEN-CO, 2000. Why should I care? (On-line), Available: <http://www.glsenco.org/Educators/Teachers/Overview.htm>

GLSEN-CO, 2000b. Just the facts: (On-line), Available: <http://www.glsenco.org/Educators/Administrators/just_the_facts.htm>

GLSEN-CO, 2000c. Making School Safe: (On-line), Available:
<http://www.glsenco.org/Educators/Administrators/student_comments.htm>
The Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth, 1993. Making schools safe for every gay and lesbian: Breaking the silence in schools and in families.

Harbeck, Karen, 1991. Introduction: Journal of Homosexuality, v. 22, n 3/4, p. 1-7

Hetrick, Emery, and Martin, A. Damien, 1991. Developmental issues and their resolution for gay and lesbian adolescents: Journal of Homosexuality, v. 22, n. 3/4.

LaFontaine, David, 1999. Why gay-straight alliances in Bay State high schools? - Its elementary: (On-line), Available:
<http://www.nz.com/NZ/Queer/OUT/news_199908/messages/1086.html>

Lipkin, Arthur, 1995. The case for gay and lesbian curriculum: in, Unks, Gerald, ed., The Gay Teen. New York, Routledge.

O'Conor, Andi, 1995. Who gets called queer in school: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual teenagers, homophobia, and high school: in, Unks, Gerald, ed., The Gay Teen. New York, Routledge.

Rofes, Eric, 1995. Making our schools safe for sissies:in, Unks, Gerald, ed., The Gay Teen. New York, Routledge.

Sears, James, 1991, Educators, homosexuality, and homosexual students: Are personal feelings related to professional beliefs?: Journal of Homosexuality, v. 22, n. 3/4, p. 29-79.

Smith, Marquita, 1999. Event Helps Teens Clear Air on Stereotypes: The Lexington Herald- Leader. November 9, 1999. (On-line), Available: <http://www.kentuckyconnect.com/heraldleader/news/110999/localdocs/09People.htm>

Tabolt, Nicole, 2000. Gay/Straight Alliances: A Work in Progress: Rising Times, Issue 9, March/April 2000. (On-line), Available:
<http://www.aclu-mass.org/youth/risingtimes/9gaystrt.html>

Uribe, Virginia, 1991. Project 10: A school-based outreach to gay and lesbian youth: in, Unks, Gerald, ed., The Gay Teen. New York, Routledge.

Uribe, Virginia, and Harbeck, Karen, 1991. Addressing the needs of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth: The Origins of PROJECT 10 and school based Intervention: Journal of Homosexuality, v. 22, n. 3, p 9-29.

Whately, Mariamme, 1991. Images of Gays and Lesbians in Sexuality and Health Textbooks: Journal of Homosexuality, v. 22, n. 3/4, p. 197 - 209.