Abstract: The Massachusetts Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth prepared its first annual report on various issues of concern to homosexual youth. The Commission seeks to work on prevention of youth suicide, violence prevention, and prevention of problems faced by young homosexuals in schools and the family. The Commission sought information from a series of five public hearings across the state in the fall of 1992. National studies and professional articles were also consulted as well as surveys of local high school students' attitudes about gay and lesbian youth issues. Problems facing this group include harassment in school, isolation and suicide, dropping out and poor school performance, lack of adult role models, and lack of understanding in their families. Exploration of these problems led to the following series of recommendations to make Massachusetts school environments safe for gay and lesbian students: (1) implement school policies protecting gay and lesbian from discrimination; (2) train teachers, counselors, and school staff in crisis intervention and violence prevention; (3) establish school-based support groups from gay and straight students; (4) provide information in school libraries for gay and lesbian adolescents; and (5) develop curricula that include gay and lesbian issues. Appendixes contain survey results and the executive order creating the Commission. Includes a 33-item bibliography. (JB)

Title: Making Schools Safe for Gay and Lesbian Youth: Breaking the Silence in Schools and in Families. Education Report.
Author:
Note: 62p.
Publication Year: 25 Feb 1993
Document Type: Evaluative Report (142)
Target Audience: Policymakers
ERIC Identifier: ED367923
Clearinghouse Identifier: CG025295
Available from: Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth, State House, Room 111, Boston, MA 02133.
This document is available from the ERIC Document Reproduction Service.

Descriptors: Affirmative Action; * Blue Ribbon Commissions; Crime Prevention; * Curriculum Development; Dropout Prevention; * Educational Environment; Family Life; Guidelines; High Schools; * High School Students; * Homosexuality; Lesbianism; School Policy; * School Safety; School Surveys; Student Attitudes; Suicide; Violence

Identifiers: *Massachusetts