1. Anti-LGBTQ+ Sex Education Laws: The Effects on Students and Implications for Schools and School Practitioners
- Author
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Tran, Jennifer T., Loecher, Nele, Kosyluk, Kristin A., and Bauermeister, José A.
- Abstract
Anti-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and/or Queer (LGBTQ+) education laws are defined as laws that prohibit or limit schools from discussing same-sex relationships, broader sexuality, and gender issues in their sexual education curriculum. This study presents a historical context of anti-LGBTQ+ sex education laws, examines the extant literature on the possible impact of these laws, and suggests recommendations for schools and school practitioners. Anti-LGBTQ+ sex education laws may impact school climate and have been associated with poorer well-being for LGBTQ+ students and cisgender heterosexual allies that encompass a range of sexual orientations and gender identities. With an Executive Order from the US president outlining the need to support LGBTQ+ youth in schools and the US Surgeon General's Advisory to highlight the urgent need to address the nation's youths' mental health, it is imperative to support LGBTQ+ students. We offer strategies that may be used to address anti-LGBTQ+ sex education laws by school administrators and practitioners in a call for advocacy to make changes in sex education policy to improve the well-being of students, particularly LGBTQ+ youth.
- Published
- 2023
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