Introduction
Discussions regarding various types of discrimination are crucial for finding and implementing solutions. In this case, the focus is on addressing anti-LGBT violence, discrimination, and bullying. This population still experiences these problems, even after specific positive steps have been taken. The following text will discuss constructive collaboration, a positive element, and a counterpart that could benefit from change in the future.
Addressing Challenges Faced by the LGBT Community
Before implementing various solutions to specific problems, everything starts with a dialogue. Firstly, I would focus on the most important and concerning facts. For example, it has been reported that LGBT people are more likely to have low incomes and struggle with economic instability than cisheterosexual individuals.
Secondly, I would address the troubling aspects that would explain why anti-LGBT hate is poorly reviewed. It has been revealed that hate crimes that do not match stereotypical descriptions of such cases are misrepresented as bullying (Flores et al., 2022). Domestic violence and child abuse are commonly erased as well, which is detrimental to the LGBT community, as they face hate in their families and social circles. Moreover, the majority of non-cishet students are said to have witnessed or experienced bullying, while 68% of school health professionals have not seen any of these cases (Earnshaw et al., 2019). This could accentuate how ineffectively the latter handles these situations and how some victims are too afraid to speak up.
Thirdly, I would prefer to highlight several recent improvements. Regarding positive events that took place, there are currently 21 states that ban discrimination against LGBT people (Zane, 2022). Moreover, there has been a ruling by the Supreme Court that recognizes anti-LGBT discrimination as illegal sex discrimination according to federal civil rights law (Mahowald, 2022). This is known as the Bostock v Clayton County decision, and it has the chance to improve LGBT rights and expand them beyond employment. President Biden signed an executive order requiring all federal agencies to create projects supporting the above decision. The Bostock v Clayton County has the opportunity to promote the necessary changes that would help support equality for LGBT individuals.
Solutions to Support LGBT Rights
One of the crucial aspects that could help improve the livelihoods of this community is to emphasize the role of school health professionals in preventing and handling anti-LGBT bullying. As mentioned earlier, some factors make it hard to implement a proper resolution. One of them is the fact that school health professionals are often not present at the time of such discriminatory incidents.
Another factor is the victims’ reluctance to report these cases to officials and adults, as well as SHPs. Finally, the third one is that LGBT bullying may become more vague than it was previously, which decreases the likelihood of these incidents being identified this way. The effects of bullying on students are already well-known; however, reviewing the perspectives of school health professionals could help find proper solutions to the problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to have a constructive discussion regarding anti-LGBT violence, bullying, and discrimination, I would address some concerning facts. Secondly, I would provide contextual data explaining why these issues are poorly handled. Thirdly, I would mention some positive changes that took place recently, with the Bostock v Clayton County decision being one of them. An aspect I would like to review more thoroughly is the role school health professionals play in addressing and preventing bullying. While such incidents’ effects on students are commonly known, their opinions and values are underreviewed. That way, I could create an opportunity to find a solution for my topic.
References
Earnshaw, V. A., Menino, D. D., Sava, L. M., Perrotti, J., Barnes, T. N., Humphrey, D. L., & Reisner, S. L. (2019). LGBTQ bullying: A qualitative investigation of student and school health professional perspectives. Journal of LGBT Youth, 17(3), 280-297. Web.
Flores, A. R., Stotzer, R. L., Meyer, I. H., & Langton, L. L. (2022). Hate crimes against LGBT people: National crime victimization survey, 2017-2019. PLOS ONE, 17(12), e0279363. Web.
Mahowald, L. (2022). LGBTQI+ Nondiscrimination laws improve economic, physical, and mental well-being. Center for American Progress. Web.
Zane, A. (2022). For LGBTQ People, Recent Anti-Discrimination Advances Could Lessen Barriers to Economic Inclusion. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Web.