This post follows my more recent posting of bullying in general. This post specifically looks at bullying due to one's perceived or actual sexual orientation.
The link to the story is below:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/12/us/minneapolis-bullying-schools/index.html?hpt=hp_c2
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is completed nationally every two years by the CDC. Click the link below to gain access to the 2009 results:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/ss/ss5905.pdf ;
http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2011/p0606_yrbsurvey.html?s_cid=2011_p0606_yrbsurvey
With specifics to bullying, GLBT students identify they are bullied more often. We also find that with attempts at suicide GLBT students are at greater risk (roughly 88%) than their heterosexual counterparts (40-50%). So what is our task here, as athletic trainers? Again, my personal view is to create an atmosphere that is affirming and welcoming to all REGARDLESS of one's gender, orientation, race, socio-economic status, religious/spiritual affiliation, etc. I realize this is easier said than done as issues of sexuality cross over many lines including family upbringing, religious practices and personal beliefs. What I am asking athletic trainers to do is to continue to work on being accepting of others who may have different beliefs than us,and to be respectful of those beliefs.
As a society, perhaps we should work more to 'agree to disagree' and to do so with respect. I would like to believe that we can create safe environments for our patient base where we are not 'tolerant' (this word has a negative connotation for me), but rather accepting. Too many young people are hurting themselves (even killing themselves) and their families in making difficult decisions when faced with the day in and day out struggle they face in school. Some have suggested that they have no place to turn, no place in which the comments and harassing stop. I would like to believe that we, as athletic trainers, can make the difference in people's lives by treating them with respect and acceptance.
I agree that athletic trainers need to be accepting of GLBT students (in spite of personal beliefs), as well as foster an environment within the athletic training room where GLBT students are comfortable. Being a student-athlete is difficult enough at any level, and the fact that GLBT students also identify that they deal with increased bullying only adds to the stress. Being an athlete can be such a fulfilling experience, and GLBT students must feel comfortable to participate, or the school has failed them.
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