For LGBTQ people the process of coming out involves publicly letting others know how you identify with your sexual orientation and gender identity. This can be a very personal thing to share and depending on a person’s situation can be stressful. In a recent survey of LGBTQ Youth, almost half of students who were not out, said that they weren’t out because of fears of how they would be treated. Whether it was concerns that teachers would treat them poorly, that students would treat them differently, or that they might be bullied they all were scared that things would change for them at school in a negative way.
LGBTQ Writing Prompt #1
Thinking about some of the reasons that LGBTQ students choose not to come out, how can we go about changing that for them? Brainstorm some ideas on how we can make coming out feel safe for other students without concerns for how they will be treated. Try to think of specific ways that both teachers and students could do this. After you’ve come up with several suggestions for teachers and students alike please compile them in 1-2 paragraphs.
Download LGBTQ+ Writing Prompt #1: Coming Out (English) here.