McNair Scholars Research Journal
Abstract
Previous research addressing phobia toward K-12 students in the LGBTQ+ community considers mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual effects. Students in the community have experienced progress in the past 20 years regarding equality, support, and empowerment from institutions, interpersonal relationships, and insecurities within themselves. In this study, I review several academic articles and textbooks which highlight the progress students have experienced regarding prejudice and backlash in K-12 schools in the United States. These sources specifically consider the well-being of youth who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and more. My research shows where we were 20 years ago, where we are now, and offers suggestions to implement in schools to better support LGBTQ+ students moving forward.