LGBTQ+ students across the United States are facing the violence and victimization that has come with being used as political pawns for the advancement of the conservative movement. Their personhood is being questioned by authority figures, their efforts to build community are being oppressed at school, and their rights are being debated by callous talking heads on a national stage. And that’s on top of navigating a perma-pandemic, underfunded schools and the general challenges of transition into adulthood. Our young people are struggling.
Last year the Silver State Equality LGBTQ+ Student Advisory Council was formed to investigate the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ students in Nevada and bring that information to the larger community, and specifically to decision-makers. The council of 12 students and seven adult mentors created and distributed a survey asking Nevada LGBTQ+ students about inclusivity in school resources and curriculum, as well as bullying and discrimination. The council also had in-depth conversations about their own experiences and with other students. Here are the results of that survey.