School Personnel Attitudes and Knowledge Towards LGBTQ Students

Abstract

Literature highlights areas of discord for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning/Queer (LGBTQ) students in the school setting as well as teacher, administrator, and school counselor attitudes and knowledge about LGBTQ students. Overall, most LGBTQ students will experience bullying, harassment, and/or a lack of support during their time in the K-12 education system. Educators (N=53) provided their attitudes and knowledge regarding LGBTQ student issues in a high school setting. Respondents indicated that there are a variety of attitudes towards LGBTQ student issues, policies, and identities. Additionally, results demonstrate school personnel knowledge of the subject lacks, which results in unintentional harm to their LGBTQ students. This suggests that more professional development opportunities for educators are necessary to minimize negative LGBTQ student experiences.