Living Ethics Journal

By Kelley Trowbridge.

In 7th grade, I came out to my friends and family. In 7th grade, Nadia, a student at an Indiana middle school, did the same. But I was the lucky one. Because in 7th grade I had friends to support me, a sister to guide me, and teachers who were kind to me. On top of all that, my school felt like a safe place, with a GSA and a counselor who cared. Nadia, however, didn’t have all of those things. Instead, she was physically assaulted by a group of teenage boys. Instead, she spent many weeks away from school because she was too afraid to go back. Instead, these boy’s beliefs about Nadia’s sexual orientation led to her physical and emotional torment. 

In 2021, Indiana Youth Institute shared a brief that found that 71%, or nearly 3 out of 4, LGBTQ+ students in Indiana experienced some form of discrimination in that year alone. This is why it is essential that we, as a community, work to provide safe spaces for these students. It is essential that these students have the freedom to be themselves. To do this, Indiana Youth Group has identified the following objectives: “build self-confidence, explore individualism, and develop friendships within the LGBTQ+ community.” This can be done through hosting support and affinity groups, managing pen pal programs and educational support, and providing essential services to adolescents who have lost their homes and families because of their identity. Rapid rehoming is one of these services. These services strive to help provide the LGBTQ+ youth in local communities the space and resources they need to be themselves in the midst of discrimination and hate. 

Furthermore, harassment isn’t coming only from classroom peers. Adults, too, are taking part in the persecution of LGBTQ+ children. Arleigh Rodgers, a journalist for Associated Press, highlights, “Indiana’s governor signed a bill banning all gender-affirming care for minors…” This bill targets transgender youth, who may choose to use medication such as puberty blockers to help themselves feel more comfortable in their body. It is especially important to note that these medications, despite popular belief, are not permanent. Put simply, the medications pause puberty, helping the individual to ward off gender dysphoria until they reach adulthood and can make more permanent decisions. By taking away these medications, the Indiana government is taking away their life, liberty, and most notably, their pursuit of happiness.  Often, religious beliefs are used to justify the removal and limiting of these youths’ rights. However, it is not a matter of whether or not being LGBTQ+ is right by the laws of one’s religion. Rather, it is a matter of being human. A matter of being allowed basic human rights. 

To further equity among LGBTQ+ youth, works towards affirming youth identity must be emphasized as well. From personal experience working with the charity, I can attest that they provide what are deemed basic needs to queer and transgender youth. Because of difficult conditions, many LGBTQ+ youth also face mental health issues. According to Dr. Emma Woodard, “These youth’s identities carry stressors with them related to being in such a marginalized and misunderstood group…” Julian Garrey at the Child Mind Institute strengthens this argument factually, writing, “For transgender youth, the numbers are even worse: 1 in 5 attempted suicide.” IYG’s services provide youth in crises with the support they need to battle mental health struggles. In a 2013 survey by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, it was found that students who attend schools with a GSA were safer, happier, and more accepted by their peers. These are the types of communities that need to be created. In addition to furthering access to resources for LGBTQ+ youth, it is imperative that competency training is provided for schools: staff members and students alike. 

In the summer of my 8th grade year, a transgender peer from my own class died by suicide. His story is unforgettable evidence that IYG can’t reach everyone.  I often wonder if he had the necessary support network, if he would still be here today. If maybe he would’ve found a community, a safe space. The unfortunate reality of the situation is that there will always be bullies, and there will always be hate. But with the strength of community, we can become a shield. It is our collective role, together, to shield our peers, our friends, from hate. 

Works Consulted

“About.” Indiana Youth Group, http://www.indianayouthgroup.org/about. Accessed 8 Oct. 2023.

Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA). “LGBTQI+ Youth.” StopBullying.Gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 31 May 2023, http://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/lgbtq. 

Juliann, Garrey. “Mental Health Challenges of LGBTQ+ Kids.” Child Mind Institute, Child Mind Institute, 10 July 2023, childmind.org/article/mental-health-challenges-of-lgbtq-kids/. 

Kane, Christopher. “After Homophobic Assault at an Ind. Middle School, Family Seeks Justice and Accountability.” Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News, Brown, Naff, Pitts Omnimedia, Inc. 2021, 19 May 2023, http://www.washingtonblade.com/2023/05/19/after-homophobic-assault-at-an-ind-middle-school-family-seeks-justice-and-accountability/.

“LGBTQ Youth in Small Towns and Rural Areas.” The Trevor Project, 14 Feb. 2022, http://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/lgbtq-youth-in-small-towns-and-rural-areas.

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Puberty Blockers for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 14 June 2023, https://tinyurl.com/y26mz6fd.

Sadowski, Michael. More Than a Safe Space, American Educator, 2017, files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1123878.pdf.

Rodgers, Arleigh. “Indiana Gov. Holcomb Signs Ban on Gender-Affirming Health Care.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 5 Apr. 2023, http://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/indiana-gov-holcomb-signs-ban-on-gender-affirming-health-care. 

 “Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth.” Indiana Youth Institute, Sept. 2021, https://www.iyi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/LGBTQ_InSchools_v4-2021.pdf.

Ucla Health. “How Gender-Affirming Care Can Help Treat Emotional Pain.” UCLA Health System, UCLA Health, 17 Mar. 2023, http://www.uclahealth.org/news/gender-affirming-care-mental-health.