Although gender identity and sexual orientation are distinct, many youth believed that they were being harassed, threatened, and judged for their failure to dress, speak, and act in ways which conform to stereotypical notions of what is appropriate for young men and women. Thus, regardless of their gender identity, they are being harassed and typically assumed to be gay or lesbian.

"There are the ones that can pass and those that can't," Michael Ferrera notes. "Those that can't are unsafe everywhere. They're always worried about making sure they have someone with them."

"I didn't get called faggot that much because I was playing soccer," Andre T. observed.

But a boy who is, in Gabriel D.'s words, "a little femme kid," often finds himself targeted with unrelenting abuse.

Recognizing this dynamic, Lavonn R. told us, "I tried to act butch, more macho, but I guess I was doing something wrong because it never worked."

He concluded, "If you're a flamboyant person, you're pretty much damned to hell. I can't think of any gay flamboyant person who has his education."


Click on the following links to get more information on issues concerning transgendered students in our schools:

Facts about GLBT School Safety

Support Systems in the High School Environment

Healthy Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Students Project

Why Schools Must Address Gay Issues

Public School Programs