Together for Youth Shirley Duke and Emily 9-20-05

Shirley Duke's work with Together for Youth is sponsored by Lutheran Social Services. The reason for together for Youth is that "everyone needs a peer group." The web site for Together for Youth is http://www.togetherforyouth.org/index.html. The web site for Queer Youth Together is http://www.queeryouthtogether.org/index.html. Some statistics, resolutions, and statutes related to the issues are listed below: These notes are a composite of notes Dr. B. has taken during the last five years and includes some information that Shirley Duke did not mention on September 20th.

Shirley Duke began the discussion by reminding us that this is a particularly difficult time for LBGT people what with the bans on gay marriage. Later in the hour she talked about her own relationship. She has been in monogamous relationship for 13 years. But when she dies her partner cannot access her social security benefits like married survivors can. If her partner is in the hospital emergency room, Shirley could not see her because she is not legally a member of her official family.

GLBT students hear anti-gay slurs on the average of 25-40 times a day; 97% of the time, teachers hearing these slurs fail to respond.

GLBT youth are three times more likely than their non-gay peers to develop a substance abuse problem.

28% of all GLBT youth drop out of high school--usually to escape the harassment, violence, and alienation they endure at school.

GLBT youth are four times more likely than heterosexual students to commit suicide.

18% of all GLBT students are physically injured to the point where professional medical services are required.

26% of GLBT students are forced to leave home because of conflicts with their families over their sexual identities.

80%of teachers harbor some negative attitudes towards gays and lesbians.

53% of prospective teachers feel uncomfortable working with a gay or lesbian colleague.

67% of guidance counselors were found to harbor negative feelings towards GLBTs.

Minnesota Statue 363.12. It is the public policy of this state to secure for persons in this state, freedom from discrimination; in employment, housing public accommodates, public services and education . . . because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation and age.

National Education Association Resolution C-26. Student Sexual Orientation. "The NEA believes that all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, should be afforded equal opportunity within the public education system. The Association further believes that every school district should provide counseling by trained personnel for students who are struggling with their sexual/gender orientation."

She asks that we use the term "sexual orientation," rather than "sexual preference," because it is not a choice.

One in four families have LBGT family members.

Shirley Duke urged us to speak up when gay bashing occurs.