The start of a new school year is a time of change and excitement for many students, but for LGBTQ+ teens, it can also bring a unique set of emotions. Returning to school can stir up anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, especially when stepping back into an environment that may not fully accept or understand their identity. Navigating the complex social dynamics of adolescence—while also managing concerns about safety, inclusion, and belonging—can feel overwhelming. For LGBTQ+ students, the school year can become an emotional balancing act, as they work to stay true to themselves while also seeking acceptance from peers and teachers.

Parents play a critical role during this time, offering emotional support and understanding as their teens face these challenges head-on. By fostering open conversations and being aware of the struggles LGBTQ+ teens may face, parents can help ensure their child feels seen, supported, and empowered.

Statistics on LGBTQ+ Students in Schools

LGBTQ+ students face significant challenges in school environments that can negatively impact their mental health, sense of safety, and academic performance. Understanding the extent of these struggles is crucial for providing the right support.

1. Bullying and Harassment: According to GLSEN’s report [1], 86.3% of LGBTQ+ students report experiencing harassment or assault due to their sexual orientation or identity, and 58.3% report sexual harassment. This constant exposure to bullying creates a hostile school environment, often leading to emotional distress.

2. Increased Rates of Anxiety and Depression: The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey [2] on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ+ teens seriously considered suicide, and 60% reported they wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it . These numbers are significantly higher than those reported among their non-LGBTQ+ peers, emphasizing the mental health risks LGBTQ+ teens face.

3. Absenteeism Due to Feeling Unsafe: A new study by Emory University Goizueta Business School and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights [3] highlights alarming trends among LGBTQ+ students in southern states. One in five LGBTQ respondents reported skipping school or other activities due to fears of discrimination, while one in four transgender respondents did the same. Such absenteeism can lead to significant academic challenges and feelings of isolation.

Challenges LGBTQ+ Students Face When Returning to School

School is difficult for most teens; the pressure to fit in, excel academically, and navigate burgeoning social dynamics can create a whirlwind of emotions. For LGBTQ+ students, this experience can be even more complex. They often grapple with the fear of being judged or ostracized because of their identity, which adds an additional layer of stress to an already challenging environment. As they strive to balance their authentic selves with the need for acceptance, the journey can sometimes feel isolating. Some of the challenge's LGBTQ+ students may face when returning to school include:

Bullying and Harassment

Bullying remains a widespread issue for LGBTQ+ students, with many experiencing verbal, physical, and online harassment based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This constant bullying leads to elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns, leaving students feeling vulnerable and unsafe in the very place meant to foster learning. As a result, many LGBTQ+ students miss school to avoid these hostile situations, negatively impacting their academic performance and social development.

Social Isolation

For many LGBTQ+ teens, returning to school can also mean returning to an environment where they feel socially isolated. Whether it's because of their identity, the lack of understanding from peers, or exclusion from social groups, LGBTQ+ students often experience feelings of loneliness and alienation. This isolation can deeply affect their mental health, leading to a decrease in self-esteem and a heightened sense of disconnection. Without a supportive peer network, it becomes more difficult for LGBTQ+ students to fully engage in school life and build the confidence they need to thrive.

Misgendering and Deadnaming

Misgendering and deadnaming (using a person’s birth name rather than their chosen name) are two common and emotionally painful challenges that transgender and nonbinary students face. Whether intentional or accidental, being called by the wrong name or pronouns can leave LGBTQ+ students feeling invisible, unsafe, and invalidated. This constant disrespect for their identity not only affects their emotional well-being but can also lead to anxiety, depression, and a reluctance to participate fully in school activities. For some, the fear of being misgendered or deadnamed may even drive them to avoid school altogether.

Lack of LGBTQ+ Support Systems

Many schools still lack LGBTQ+ support systems such as Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) or LGBTQ+ affirming policies. In these environments, LGBTQ+ students often feel like they have no place to turn for help or understanding. The absence of clubs, peer groups, or inclusive school policies can leave students feeling unsupported, reinforcing feelings of isolation. Without these resources, students may struggle with their identity in silence, making it harder to find the acceptance and validation they need to thrive both academically and personally.

How Parents Can Support LGBTQ+ Students

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their LGBTQ+ teens as they navigate the unique challenges of returning to school. Providing emotional, practical, and proactive support can make a world of difference in helping LGBTQ+ students feel safe, understood, and empowered during this time.

1. Open Communication

One of the most effective ways to support your LGBTQ+ teen is by fostering open, non-judgmental communication. Encourage them to share their experiences, emotions, and concerns about school. Make sure your teen knows that they can talk to you about issues such as bullying, misgendering, or feeling isolated without fear of judgment. Listening actively and validating their feelings will help them feel heard and understood.

2. Advocating for Safe Spaces

As a parent, you can be a strong advocate for your child by working with their school to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. This may involve talking to school administrators about implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive policies, such as gender-neutral bathrooms, or supporting the formation of LGBTQ+ student groups like Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs). Advocating for your teen’s right to use their chosen name and pronouns within the school setting can also make a significant difference in their sense of belonging and safety.

3. Building Emotional Resilience

Helping your teen build emotional resilience is key to navigating the challenges of bullying, social isolation, and identity-related stress. Encourage them to develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as journaling, mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies that bring them joy. Reinforce the importance of self-compassion and remind them that their identity is valid, no matter how others may respond. Empowering your teen to feel confident in themselves, even when faced with adversity, can help them cope with difficult situations.

4. Seeking Professional Help

If your LGBTQ+ teen is struggling with their mental health or facing significant challenges at school, seeking professional therapy can provide them with additional support. Therapy offers a safe space for your teen to explore their identity, process their emotions, and develop coping strategies for handling school-related stress. A LGBTQ friendly therapist can also help guide your teen through difficult decisions, such as coming out or advocating for themselves in challenging situations. Therapy can be an essential tool in helping LGBTQ+ teens build resilience and self-confidence.

The Importance of Support for LGBTQ+ Students

Providing emotional, mental, and social support to LGBTQ+ students during the back-to-school period is critical for their well-being. As they face unique challenges, such as bullying, social isolation, and misgendering, it’s essential for parents to offer a safe and understanding environment at home. Open communication, advocacy for inclusive school policies, and helping your teen build emotional resilience can go a long way in helping them thrive.

If your teen is struggling with any of these challenges, professional therapy can be a valuable resource. Groundwork Therapy’s Brooklyn-based gender-affirmative and sexuality-affirmative approach creates a supportive, judgment-free space where your teen can explore their identity, build confidence, and learn coping strategies. Our experienced LGBTQ friendly therapists in Brooklyn are here to help your child navigate these difficult moments and empower them to embrace their authentic self.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Groundwork Therapy today.

References:

[1] National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9915559/

[2] The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2022/

[3] Atlanta News: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2023/04/21/lgbtq-study-finds-students-fear-discrimination-skip-school/