LGBT Youth: The Personal and Political
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2010-12-09/lgbt-youth-personal-and-political
Bullying and suicide often come to mind in daily conversations about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. But young people from these communities confront a wide range of challenges their straight peers never see, often with little support from their families or schools. We hear about the personal experiences and activism of local LGBT youth.
Guests
Andrew Barnett
Executive Director, Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL)
Sadie-Ryanne Baker
Volunteer Organizer, DC Trans Coalition
Kevin Abellano
Howard University Student; Historian, Coalition of Activist Students Celebrating the Acceptance of Diversity and Equality (CASCADE)
Related Links
Related Video
Sydney discusses some of the questions she faces about her sexual orientation and why she participates in SMYAL:
Ashley, a participant in SMYAL (Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League) shares her experiences as a straight ally at an LGBTQ organization:
Comments
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I was in the grocery store a while ago and I had observed that I was unsure of the gender identity of the cashier waiting on me. The name on the name tag didn't help. A little boy asked his mother, in line behind me, whether the cashier was a girl or a boy. I wondered what I would have said if he had asked me. I don't want to say that I don't know, or to insult the person by guessing wrong. Any suggestions as to how we can kindly engage in such interactions?
Mary, Takoma Park
At what age would you say that sexuality and gender are solidified and how should young children who are identifying in a non traditional way be treated? We have a pre-adolescent who we don't know, but whom we suspect might be gay or trans, but don't want to unfairly encourage.
Hi Kojo,
I think that this is a very important discussion. Being a white gay man I think it is important to address the segregation within the LGBT community. In my experience, Gay men and Lesbian women rarely socialize or attend the same clubs.The gay community further divides itsself within in racial groups. As a community, this presents the greatest risk to creating a more accepting culture nationwide.
just want to bring something up from my point of view - i am a bisexual man.
i think it's great that transgender issues are being freely discussed. i work with LGBT people of all ages, sexes, and orientations (i am a male escort in DC, and have worked this way for seven years). i've found that of all the "letters" - L, G, B, and T - it seems that bisexuals are the least recognized of the four.
this is not just because i am bisexual. i'm a grown man, but i find that in youth alternative sexuality discussions, bisexuals are rarely included. there are increasing amounts of support groups for gay or lesbian youth. transgender youth awareness is on the rise, too. however, bisexual youth support is virtually nonexistant. i'd like to say to any bi-curious or bisexual teenagers: if you feel attracted to both sexes, please do not feel like you are alone. in fact, i would assert (based on my work, and my own life experience as well) that there are WAY more bisexuals out there than one would think. be cool, keep your head, and ride out this time. as you get older, you will find your place in this world.