Being Queer in West Virginia
According to the Williams Institute School of Law, just over half of West Virginia residents agree that LGBTQ individuals frequently experience discrimination in the U.S. In 2017 GLSEN National School Climate Survey found that in the year prior 82% of participants from West Virginia had experienced discrimination at school due to their sexual orientation and or gender identity. The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization focused on crisis prevention for LGBTQ+ youth, found that in 2020, 40% of LGBTQ+ youth had seriously considered suicide in the past year. It is imperative for West Virginia, and society as a whole, to create a safer and more affirming environment for America’s queer youth (Fitsimons, 2020).
I know many individuals at Greenbrier West who have experienced discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Not only at home but in the classroom as well. As a member of the queer community, I am no stranger to the cruelty of my peers and I know firsthand the devastating effects it can have on someone’s mental health. I spoke with three LGBTQ+ students at West about their experiences with prejudice and bigotry and how that has affected their High School experience as a whole.
When asked what the most difficult part of being a queer student at West is, respondent #1 said, “The hardest thing would have to be how people talk about our community. It is deeply hurtful, especially when members of my family are doing so,”. Respondents #2 and #3 said “Knowing I can’t come out to just anyone because of being judged or bullied is the hardest part.” and “it’s hard to be open with people without getting harassed or being made fun of.”
If I could tell someone who felt being queer was wrong one thing, it would be that I am just like anybody else. I am not sinful or evil. I’m just a normal kid. Respondent #2 said the same, “I’m the same person before you knew I was LGBTQ,”. It’s important for us as a community to work together to destigmatize being queer. Creating a more supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth can significantly improve their mental health and self-esteem.
“The only thing I wish I could say is a question,” said respondent #2 “Why do you care so much about what other people do?”. Respondent #3 had a similar answer, “To the people who don’t support me, you do you, but leave me alone. Don’t harass or threaten people who you don’t agree with. It’s a general courtesy, ya know?”. All LGBTQ people want is to be treated like anybody else.
Lastly, the final question I had for my respondents was: Do you feel accepted at Greenbrier West? The answer from each student was a resounding ‘no’. “Most of the time I do not feel safe or supported at school.” said respondent #1. #2 said, “If I were to come out at school it would only be to people who I know very well.”
Respondent #3 had a message for any student who struggles with their LGBTQ+ identity: “It’s important to not get caught up with who does or does not support you.” he remarked, “at the end of the day the only opinion that matters is your own.”
______________
National suicide hotline: 800-273-8255
Transgender lifeline: (877) 565 8860
Trevor project text helpline: Text ‘START’ to 678-678
Trevor project call line: 1-866-488-7386
_______
https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Impact-LGBT-Discrimination-WV-Feb-2021.pdf
Hi! My name is Shea. I'm in the 12th grade and I'm head-editor for Cavtalk this year. I'm so excited to be back to school and help make Cavtalk the best...
Eliot Ferrell • Nov 2, 2021 at 2:28 pm
I understand this a little too much. It’s awful how the lgbtq is treated. We’re just as human as you are. It shouldn’t matter what you identify as, who you love, or what you look like; it does matter how you treat people, how you make them feel, and who you’ll be in the future. 43% of people who take their lives between the ages of 15-24 are lgbtq members. Make a change. It costs you nothing to respect a pronoun change or accept them for who they are, but it could cost a life if you don’t. It’s YOUR future. Decide how you’ll affect others.
Chrissy Bowles • Oct 21, 2021 at 10:35 am
I always say, “It’s okay to disagree, it’s not okay to disrespect.” It deeply concerns me that not every student feels safe at this school. We can coexist. You don’t have to understand someone’s identity or agree with them in order to refrain from name-calling or threats or bullying. Differences among people exist. I encourage everyone at this school to think of ways you can show compassion to someone who is different from you and recognize that doing so is how we can heal ourselves and the world.