Key Highlights
- 70% of LGBTQ students have experienced harassment at school due to their sexual orientation or gender identity
- 60% of LGBTQ students have been verbally harassed at school
- Nearly 39% of LGBTQ students have skipped school at least once in the past month because they felt unsafe
- 27% of LGBTQ students have been physically assaulted at school
- LGBTQ students are almost twice as likely to experience cyberbullying compared to their heterosexual peers
- 39% of transgender students have been verbally harassed at school
- 22% of LGBTQ students have been physically assaulted at school because of their sexual orientation
- 59% of LGBTQ students feel unsafe at school
- LGBTQ students are four times more likely to miss school days due to safety concerns
- 70% of LGBTQ youth with a history of bullying report feeling depressed
- 45% of LGBTQ students have been verbally harassed because of their gender identity or expression
- 1 in 3 LGBTQ students has been physically assaulted at school
- 60% of LGBTQ students report feeling “not safe at all” at school
Despite progress toward acceptance, the alarming reality remains that over 70% of LGBTQ youth face harassment at school, with many feeling unsafe, isolated, and deeply impacted both mentally and physically by pervasive discrimination.
Discrimination and Rejection
- 88% of LGBTQ youth have experienced some form of discrimination in school
- 45% of LGBTQ youth have attempted to hide their identity to avoid bullying
- 50% of LGBTQ youth report experiencing discrimination in healthcare settings
- 55% of LGBTQ students report that teachers or school staff have dismissed their experiences of discrimination
- LGBTQ youth face higher rates of homelessness, with approximately 40% of homeless youth identifying as LGBTQ
- 23% of LGBTQ youth have faced rejection from their families due to their sexual orientation or gender identity
- 62% of LGBTQ youth have reported experiencing discrimination on social media
- 33% of LGBTQ youth have been refused service or facing discrimination in public spaces because of their identity
- About 20% of LGBTQ youth have been rejected by healthcare providers when seeking services
- LGBTQ youth face higher levels of substance abuse, with 22% reporting alcohol or drug use linked to harassment and discrimination
- 61% of LGBTQ youth report experiencing daily discrimination
- 45% of LGBTQ youth have felt pressured to hide their identity from friends or family
Discrimination and Rejection Interpretation
Despite progressive rhetoric, the staggering statistics reveal that LGBTQ youth worldwide are still navigating a treacherous landscape of discrimination that forces nearly half to hide their identities, many to endure rejection in healthcare and education, and a significant number into homelessness and substance abuse, underscoring the urgent need for genuine inclusivity and systemic change.
Experiences of Harassment and Violence
- 70% of LGBTQ students have experienced harassment at school due to their sexual orientation or gender identity
- 60% of LGBTQ students have been verbally harassed at school
- 27% of LGBTQ students have been physically assaulted at school
- LGBTQ students are almost twice as likely to experience cyberbullying compared to their heterosexual peers
- 39% of transgender students have been verbally harassed at school
- 22% of LGBTQ students have been physically assaulted at school because of their sexual orientation
- 45% of LGBTQ students have been verbally harassed because of their gender identity or expression
- 1 in 3 LGBTQ students has been physically assaulted at school
- Over half of LGBTQ students report being called names or made fun of
- 7 out of 10 LGBTQ students report hearing homophobic or transphobic remarks at school
- 56% of LGBTQ students have experienced cyberbullying
- 44% of LGBTQ youth have been verbally harassed outside school because of their gender or sexuality
- 31% of LGBTQ youth have experienced sexual harassment or assault
- 40% of LGBTQ youth report being threatened or bullied on school property
- 29% of LGBTQ youth have experienced emotional abuse related to their sexual orientation or gender identity in their homes
- Schools with inclusive anti-bullying policies see a 25% reduction in bullying incidents against LGBTQ students
- 40% of LGBTQ youth have been physically threatened or harmed because of their identity
Experiences of Harassment and Violence Interpretation
Despite growing awareness and anti-bullying policies, a staggering majority of LGBTQ youth—up to 70%—still face harassment and violence at school and beyond, highlighting that progress in inclusivity remains alarmingly incomplete and urgent.
Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
- 70% of LGBTQ youth with a history of bullying report feeling depressed
- Nearly 45% of LGBTQ students have felt hopeless because of bullying or discrimination
- LGBTQ youth are more likely to experience suicidal ideation, with 39% reporting considering suicide compared to 8% of heterosexual youth
- 71% of LGBTQ youth who experience bullying say it affects their mental health
- 38% of LGBTQ youth reported feeling depressed because of bullying
- LGBTQ youth are more likely to feel hopeless and anxious due to bullying and discrimination, with 60% reporting feelings of anxiety
- 58% of LGBTQ youth report feeling isolated or lonely because of discrimination or bullying
- 71% of LGBTQ students who experience bullying report feeling sad or hopeless
Mental Health and Emotional Well-being Interpretation
These startling statistics highlight that bullying not only targets LGBTQ youth but also profoundly damages their mental health, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive environments where love and acceptance replace hostility and hurt.
School Safety and Feeling of Security
- Nearly 39% of LGBTQ students have skipped school at least once in the past month because they felt unsafe
- 59% of LGBTQ students feel unsafe at school
- LGBTQ students are four times more likely to miss school days due to safety concerns
- 60% of LGBTQ students report feeling “not safe at all” at school
- 23% of LGBTQ students have skipped school due to fear of harassment or bullying
- 60% of LGBTQ students believe their school needs to do more to prevent bullying
- 63% of transgender students say that safety concerns prevent them from using school bathrooms or participating fully in school activities
- 42% of LGBTQ students have felt unsafe in school because of their gender expression
- 66% of LGBTQ students have felt afraid to walk alone at night because of their sexual or gender identity
- 90% of LGBTQ youth who experience harassment say they have not reported it to school officials
- 49% of LGBTQ students feel that their school has a policy or staff member who would support them if they disclosed their gender or sexual identity
- 76% of LGBTQ youth report feeling unsafe due to their perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity
School Safety and Feeling of Security Interpretation
Despite nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ youth feeling unsafe at school, the alarming silence—where 90% haven't reported harassment—illuminates a glaring need for schools to transform from passive observers into active allies, lest these students continue to endure safety concerns as the silent classroom crisis it has become.
Sources & References
- Reference 1GLSENResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 2NCSLResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 3NCLRIGHTSResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 4HRCResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 5FRYFAMILYFOUNDATIONResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 6PCMAResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 7ADVOCATESFORYOUTHResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 8TRANSEQUALITYResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 9HEALTHResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 10CDCResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 11HOMELESSHUBResearch Publication(2024)Visit source