Homophobic bullying and safety for queer youth in high school, a retrospective study

This study addresses the prevalent issue of homophobic bullying and safety for queer youth in high schools. This retrospective study involves a sample of 24 participants, eighteen years of age or older, who were surveyed about their past experiences with homophobic bullying at school. These participants were members of a youth group at the Gay and Lesbian Center in Sacramento. Study findings indicated that public high schools in Sacramento are failing to adequately protect their LGBTQ students from acts of homophobic bullying and are therefore, not providing a safe space for all students to learn. Queer youth are at-risk for suicide, substance abuse, mental health problems, and homelessness when schools do not adequately meet their needs. The researcher is demonstrating the importance of recognizing homophobic bullying as a public issue and making changes in schools, in school staff, and in greater society to assist queer youth in feeling safe in their environment.