title: What schools can do to help gay/lesbian/bisexual youth: a harm.
abstract: In recognition of the fact that heterosexism is one of the most significant realities of adolescents' day-to-day experiences in school, this paper examines the school environment in terms of disempowering and empowering aspects. It is argued that failure to take a proactive stance to help youth with gender identity issues is a major cause of psychological problems, leading in some cases to suicide, alcohol and other drug abuse, and homelessness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, University of Northern Iowa, 36 Sabin Hall, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614, USA. vanwormer@uni.edu
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: van Wormer
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: McKinney
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D010379:Peer Group; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011287:Prejudice; D012307:Risk Factors; D012574:Schools; D012931:Social Environment