School violence is aggressive behavior that occurs in educational settings and can take many forms, including physical, verbal, emotional, and cyberbullying. It can affect students for a variety of reasons, including their appearance, behavior, social status, and, in particular, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Queer people, that is, those who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer), are often targets of violence and bullying in the school environment. This is due to the bias and stereotypes that exist in society. Research shows that queer students experience violence two to three times more often than their heterosexual peers.

According to the 2019 National School Climate Survey by GLSEN, 59.1% of queer students in the U.S. report experiencing bullying at school because of their sexual orientation, and 41.8% because of their gender identity. These numbers highlight the seriousness of the problem and the need to create safe and supportive environments for all students.

Additionally, a 2021 study found that queer people are more likely to be victims of cyberbullying, which can also have a negative impact on their mental health and overall well-being. Such traumatic experiences can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

Thus, school violence against queer people is a serious problem that requires attention and active action from educational institutions, parents and society as a whole.

Emotional consequences

The emotional impact of school violence on queer people can be profound and long-lasting. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Depression : Often, queer people who are victims of bullying experience symptoms of depression. This can manifest as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in life, and low self-esteem. Depression can also lead to problems with school and social adaptation.
Anxiety disorders : Constant feelings of threat and fear can lead to the development of anxiety disorders. Victims of abuse may experience panic attacks, constant worry, and fear of going to school or interacting with classmates.
Self-esteem issues : School violence can have a profound effect on queer people’s self-esteem. They may begin to question their worth and accept negative stereotypes about themselves, which can lead to further problems in relationships and social life.
Social Isolation : Victims of abuse may begin to avoid interacting with others, leading to social isolation. This can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and alienation, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to escape.
Post-traumatic stress : Some queer people may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of experiencing violence. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of situations that remind you of the trauma, and increased vigilance.
Trust issues : After experiencing violence, queer people may have difficulty trusting others. This can make it difficult to form new relationships and maintain existing ones, further exacerbating feelings of isolation.
Suicidal thoughts : In extreme cases, when the emotional consequences become unbearable, queer people may begin to experience suicidal thoughts or intentions. This highlights the importance of timely support and intervention.

These emotional consequences can have long-term effects on the lives of queer people, impacting their mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. It is therefore important that they receive the support and help they need to cope with these difficulties and restore their well-being.

Coping (strategy)

1. Don’t be alone
2. Don’t try to convince yourself and don’t listen to those who try to convince you that this is not violence, but attempts to befriend you/troll you
3. Search for allies/allies in school

Recourse

Seeking help is an important step for a queer person experiencing school violence. Here are some tips on how to do so:

Decide who to turn to : Think about people you trust. These could be:
Teachers or school counselors who are understanding and supportive.
Friends or classmates who can support you.
Family members who are willing to listen and help.
Prepare your thoughts : Before you seek help, try to clearly formulate what exactly is bothering you. It could be a specific incident or a general situation. Write down your thoughts if it helps.
Choose the right time and place : Find a calm and safe place to talk where you can openly discuss your feelings. Make sure you have enough time to talk.
Be honest and open : Talk about your feelings and experiences. Explain what exactly is happening and how it affects you. Honesty will help your interlocutor understand your situation better.
Ask for specific help : Be specific about what kind of help you are looking for. This could be support in talking to the bully, help in contacting the school administration, or simply emotional support.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help again : If your first attempt doesn’t bring the desired result, don’t be afraid to reach out to other people or organizations. It’s important to keep seeking support until you find what you need.
Explore resources : Explore local and online resources that may offer help. These may include hotlines, support groups, or organizations that work with the LGBTQ+ community.
Take care of yourself : Seeking help is an important step, but it’s also important to take care of your emotional and physical well-being. Find ways to relax and recharge, whether through hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.
Remember that you are not alone and there are people and organizations ready to support you during difficult times.

Creating a safe space

Our media can create a special place for safe communication. I spoke to Chris Pokrytan and this is what he had to say:

Firstly, the visibility of a space in which, ideally, people can express their different facets of their identities, be it neurodivergence, gender identities, romantic/sexual identities, any disabilities, or any special mental/psychological states. The more we gain this visibility and the opportunity to openly discuss our lives and desires, the more it affects the learning process, and thus we understand that we are not hostage to any rules/norms. In such spaces, we can declare ourselves, get help, and also tell/show something.

Conclusion

In conclusion, school violence is a serious issue that affects many queer people, causing significant emotional and psychological consequences. However, it is important to remember that coping with this situation is possible. Seeking support from friends, family, and professionals, developing self-defense skills, creating a safe space, and participating in educational initiatives can significantly improve quality of life and help overcome difficulties.

Every queer student has the right to a safe and supportive school environment where their identity is accepted and respected. Communities, schools, and families must work together to create an environment where diversity is valued and violence is condemned.

It is important for queer people to know that they are not alone and that there are resources and communities available to support them during difficult times. By using coping strategies and reaching out for help, they can not only cope with violence, but also build self-confidence, strengthen their identity, and build healthy relationships.

Creating more inclusive and safe spaces for all students is a task that requires everyone to work together. Together, we can make schools a place where everyone feels accepted and protected.

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The article was written by me (rose with milk) , thanks to Mr. Shursh from the T Center for finding the person who helped with its writing and Chris Pokrytan (teenage psychology, narrative practice)