<p> This study examined the effects of bullying on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students age 18 to 25 who attended high schools in Shelby County, Tennessee. A qualitative research method was utilized to examine and determine the perception of fifty-three lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered youth homophobic experiences while attending high school. The study obtained the perceptions of LGBT youth based on the following questions: (1) What do LGBT youth believe are the reasons for homophobic bullying?, (2) How do acts of homophobic bullying affect, mentally and emotionally, the lives of those involved?, (3) And what types of homophobic bullying are evident in public high schools in Shelby County, Tennessee? </p><p> Although there has been a plethora of research conducted to document the effects of homophobic bullying on the lives of LGBT youth, no research could be found that investigated the effects of homophobic bullying on the lives of LGBT youth attending high school in Shelby County, Tennessee. Furthermore, most anti-bullying policies in schools in Shelby County, Tennessee do not include bullying against LGBT youth. </p><p> The study found that LGBT believed they experienced homophobic bullying because they were gay or presumed to be gay. Some LGBT youth felt the homophobic bullying they experienced caused poor grades, depression, and low self- esteem. </p><p> The study provides the information that will assist high school administrators and staff in combating homophobic bullying and discrimination against LGBT youth. Protecting LGBT students mean making changes to some anti-bullying policies that may exist in some schools. Schools must establish clear comprehensive policies which specifically address homophobic bullying. All schools should implement safe school policies that encompass the welfare of all students. </p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:3735824 |
| Date | 21 November 2015 |
| Creators | Chatman, Sherry Waterman |
| Publisher | Arkansas State University |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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