Breanna Brown

Mrs. Di Soma

ERWC, Period 2

2 February 2017

Bullying and the LGBT community

As our society alters with the ever changing youth of our country so does the way to

bully someone. Many do not believe that people are being singled out as well as bullied.

Choosing to not accept one another for who they are has caused conflicts generation after

generation. In two thousand seventeen bullying exists not only among the straight youth, and

young adults, but especially the LGBT community.

As a child everyone remembers the bully in middle school or even high school. The

violence that occurs in our schools today is much more cruel than what most of our older

generation had experienced. Many cases have been linked to someones sexual orientation, or

gender identity. To target a group of people for what makes them happy is absurd.Studies across

the nation has shown, thirty two percent of teens say they have been targets of a range of

annoying potentially menacing activities (Bontempo). As a result of the kind of verbal, and

possibly physical violence as those children and teens become young adults they have shown

higher depressive levels (Muraco). Every day to day life is tough for many, having extra

pressure of not being accepted among society has a major impact on someones life. Members

of the LGBT community have to deal with these kind of issues everyday (Kosciw). Accepting

yourself can be a battle within itself, but having the battle with everyone around you can damage

more than just someones day.

 Bullying as we all know causes physical consequences, but many do not take into

account for those who have been psychologically affected. The LGBT community around the

country have been singled out by their family, friends, and peers. Some have been specific

targets, because of their sexual orientation, as well as their gender identity (Meredith).

Addressing those who have had mental issues such as depression, anxiety, and more have not

been taken care of in a way that could help them overcome these issues. LGBT adults who

reported homophobic bullying showed higher depressive levels (Meredith). Mental health of a

victim could cause them to commit suicide, and hurt themselves. Those who have been through

that do not look at people the same as they once did. Sometimes nothing can kill a person more

than their own thoughts of the hurtful words once said. In a study over half LGBT students

reported being bullied at ages thirteen or fourteen, less than ten percent reported bullying at ages

nineteen or twenty (Peterson). Protecting your mind is something that takes courage.

Even life after bullying has an impact on the victim's mental health, as well as physical.

Going around searching for approval is something many look for after they have been bullied.

There is not only one solution to solve the problem of bullying. Establishing clubs within your

schools and community are small steps to take towards a solution (Kosciw). Confronting these

issues as a young adult can save many problems for someone in the future, learning to cope with

the situation, and overcome it (Peterson). A quote by an article on equality for the future stated,

lets create a world of love, kindness, and compassion (Meredith). Bullying is a stage for

many, but the impact can last a lifetime.

Bullying within the LGBT community in 2017 does exist. Realizing the consequences

that we all see within those who have been hurt, must be changed. Teaching people to love one
another is an aspect our local communities, and schools could focus on. A challenge to expect

someone because of their sexual orientation, gender identity could become a thing of the past.

Begin the change for the future.

Bontempo, D.E. & Augell, A.B. Effects of at school victimization and sexual orientation on
lesbian,
gay, or bisexual youths health risk behavior. www.stopbullying.gov, Journal of
Adolescent
Health. Web. 2002, Accessed 26 January 2017.