The Problem:

For every 1 youth who is bullied because of their actual sexual orientation or gender expression – 4 straight kids are bullied because of their perceived sexual orientation or gender expression. Across America, youth violence and discrimination in the classroom and on the streets is robbing our future.

• 20 percent to 40 percent of the U.S. homeless teen population is comprised of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. (While Inside/Out is not a residential shelter, we have provided safety, acceptance and support to 22 homeless youth so far in 2010.)
• Nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students nationwide experience harassment at school because of their sexual orientation or gender expression. (Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network, 2007 National School Climate Survey)
• Truancy rates are 5 times higher among LGBT students. One third of LGBT students miss school monthly because they feel unsafe (GLSEN)
• LGBT youth who are rejected by their families are 9 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers (Inside/Out provides suicide prevention services and an accepting community to reduce this number)

The Possibility:

“People should be free to love who they choose. Don’t judge others based on who they date.” — Hannah, 16-year-old ally —

Education, empowerment and advocacy makes a real difference for LGBTIQ youth. When youth feel safe, accepted and supported, they gain a positive sense of self and are more successful students and citizens.

Gay Straight Alliances in schools improve physical safety, academic performance and add a sense of belonging for all students.  Inside/Out empowers students who are interested in starting GSAs, and we advocate on their behalf with school administrations.

Students from schools with harassment policies that specify sexual orientation and gender expression skip school less often and are less frequently harassed. We support inclusive policies in all schools, and we meet with teachers, administrators and others to share promising practices for implementation.

The Vision:

Every street we walk, classroom we enter, business we buy from is a safe place where youth are respected.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning youth are safe, feel a sense of connection and have the skills and tools they need to chart their own destinies. Society affirms their worth as individuals and as participants in the community.