DEVELOPING AN UNDERSTANDING OF PERCEPTIONS OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY

KELLY GILL

KRGILL@SEMO.EDU

STEPS IN PERCEPTION PROCESS

1. Selection: Noticing what’s different

2. Organization: File folders in our minds

3. Interpretation: Applying value

4. Negotiation: Facilitating communication

GAY PRIDE PARADE

GAY PRIDE PARADE

GAY PRIDE PARADE

GAY PRIDE PARADE

GAY PRIDE PARADE

GAY PRIDE PARADE

GAY PRIDE PARADE

GAY PRIDE PARADE

GAY PRIDE PARADE

GAY PRIDE PARADE

GAY PRIDE FLAG

LAUREN & CHELY BLITZER-WRIGHT

LAUREN & CHELY’S WEDDING

CHELY & LAUREN

GLSEN

2011 National School Climate Survey• 81.9% - verbal harassment• 38.3% - physical harassment • 18.3% - physical assault• 84.8% - derogatory comments (e.g. “dyke” &

“faggot”)• 71.3% - homophobic remarks (e.g. “That’s so gay.”)

LGBT TEENS AND DEPRESSION & SUICIDE

Increased levels of victimization is related to … Increased levels of depression and…

Decreased levels of self-esteem

THE TREVOR PROJECT

LGBT teens are 4 times more likely to commit suicide

HOMELESSNESS

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

• 50% - negative reactions from parents• 26% - are kicked out of their homes by parents• 33% - physically assaulted in foster care or

shelters • 20% to 40% - all homeless youth are LGBT

= 300,000 youth per year

STEPS IN PERCEPTIONS PROCESS

4. Negotiation

- Look past our differences - Find a common ground

- This facilitates communication

DEVELOPING AN UNDERSTANDING OF PERCEPTIONS OF THE LGBT COMMUNITYKELLY GILL

KRGILL@SEMO.EDU