QNotes, August 20, 2021

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lifeStudy of Gen Z Shows More Youth Identify as LGBTQResearch Covers Cultures Across 27 Countriesby L’Monique Kingqnotes Staff WriterRight around the time when rapperDaBaby was deleting his suspect apologyto the LGBTQ community for insensitivecomments about gay men and HIV/AIDS,the Charlotte City Council was unanimouslypassing a nondiscrimination ordinance(NDO). That new legislation, which appliesto large and small businesses, providesexpanded protections for LGBTQ+ peopleand those who wear natural hairstyles.Now, as we look to the future,Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)discussions are finding their way intoour politics, offices, schools, homesand communities. Inclusive rights anda respect for diversity and inclusion arewhat protect and make visibility possibleand a progressive world more feasible.In fact, a recent study on the amountof young people who do not identify asstraight or heterosexual might actuallybe an indicator of the impending changeof the progress and progression DEI efforts,like the NDO offer.The global study was conducted in27 countries and found that four percentof those in Generation Z (peopleborn between 1997 and 2012) identifyas transgender, non-binary, gender-nonconformingor gendefluid. Conducted byIpsos, a research organization, the surveycaptured the opinions of a relatively urbangroup of individuals with internet access.The Ipsos survey found that respondentsin Generation Z were nearly fourtimes as likely than those over the age of40 to identify as transgender, non-binary,gender-nonconforming, genderfluid or inanother way.“They were also the age group mostlikely to identify as something other thanheterosexual,” says Nicolas Boyon, SeniorVice President of Public Affairs at Ipsos,“Overall, nine percent of respondentsidentified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual,omnisexual or asexual.”“For Generation Z, the figure doublesto 18 percent. The patterns that we seein the U.S. are definitely not unique tothe [United States],” he continues, “It’s aglobal phenomenon.”With changing social ideals and legal protections, younger generations have more freedom incomfortably expressing their true selves. (Photo Credit: Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash)Worldwide, 42 percent of those surveyedsaid they have a gay or lesbian relative,friend or colleague, while 24 percentsaid they know someone who is bisexual;10 percent said they known someonewho is transgender, and nine percent saidthey know someone who is non-binary,gender-nonconforming or genderfluid.The likelihood is higher among womenthan among men in all four groups, andthere is wide national variation. In Brazil,for example, 66 percent report having agay or lesbian relative, friend or colleague,but in Japan and South Korea, the numberis only seven percent.Closer to home, Leslie Oliver is an outK-8 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools artteacher who has seen more than a little ofhow identity can show up in young people.She’s been teaching for 19 years withmost of her professional career spent inCharlotte middle school classrooms.“10 years ago, even if students werequeer or questioning, they would neversay it aloud. I could sense it or see it, butthey would never dare acknowledge it,”says Oliver, “They would see it in me orother teachers, and the subject was stilltouch-and-go.“I’ve seen students beat up for justsuggesting that another student wasgay. Especially here in the south. Nowstudents talk about it a bit more openlyand more candidly. The bi children arevery vocal about it now. More studentsask me if I’m married and if I’m marriedto a woman. They seem to care lessabout what they [think they] know andwho knows [who they are] than they [did]10 years ago.”Though delighted and relieved by thechange, Oliver still cautioned that effortsin inclusion and a continued shift inatmosphere, which would make schoolsin general safe spaces, need to continue.She is grateful for how many more teachersaffirm their students’ identities todaythan did in the past, but acknowledgedthere is still work to be done.“Until all students and teachers can sitin their seats and speak candidly and existsafely,” Oliver explains, “we still have morework to do.”In reflecting upon the statistics theIpsos study yielded, she questions theiraccuracy.“I’ve had the pleasure of teachingtrans students who are very clear asto their identity. I’m pretty sure thenumbers are greater than that [one infive identifying as non-heterosexual].I’d say four of six, but because of queerfear I’d say the statistics are probablyoff. You can’t have the type of ignorancethat queer fear breeds and haveaccurate numbers.”Accurate or not, one thing is clear,Generation X has raised children andteens who are living in a time that affordsthem more protection to to be who theyare than it afforded earlier generations.And many of those youth don’t mindletting the world know, either. : :10 qnotes Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2021
lifeCollege Search Process forLGBTQ High School StudentsEnsuring Your School is LGBTQ-Friendlyby Julia Schwenderman | Campus Pride InternIf you’re a high school student currently applying tocolleges and universities, there are many factors for youto consider when picking the school that’s right for you.For LGBTQ students, finding a LGBTQ-friendly campus isoften a part of their college decision process. According tothe HRC 2018 Youth Report, “only 27% of LGBTQ youth can‘definitely’ be themselves in school as an LGBTQ person.”For the graduating class of 2022, there are collegesand universities that look to recruit LGBTQ students andmake them feel welcome on campus. Schools like DukeUniversity participate in LGBTQ-friendly college fairs andoffer LGBTQ scholarships. There are also schools likeGuilford College that offer themed living communities andother social opportunities targeted at LGBTQ students.When applying to schools, Campus Pride suggests that studentstake time to think about what is most important to themwhen choosing a LGBTQ-friendly campus. Which of thesequalities is most important to you at your future college oruniversity? The Campus Pride Ultimate Queer College Guidelists 10 areas to consider during the college search process:• Active LGBTQ student organization• Out LGBTQ students on campus• Out LGBTQ faculty and staff• LGBTQ-Inclusive university policies• Visible signs of pride on campus• LGBTQ allies from the top down• LGBTQ-inclusive housing and gender-inclusive bathrooms• Established LGBTQ center and support services• LGBTQ/queer studies academic programFor students of color and trans students, there maybe other considerations when choosing a LGBTQ-friendlycollege or university. For more information for LGBTQstudents of color, visit the Point Foundation BIPOCScholarship and Campus Pride HBCU Clearinghouse. Findinformation for trans and gender-nonconforming studentsfrom Trans Student Educational Resources, GenderSpectrum and Campus Pride’s Trans Policy Clearinghouse.Campus Pride IndexThe Campus Pride Index is an “overall indicator of institutionalcommitment to LGBTQ-inclusive policy, programand practice” for college campuses across the country.Prospective college students can view Campus Pride’srankings of LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities by usingthe Campus Pride Index at campusprideindex.org.Campus Pride also does an annual roundup of the“best” and “worst” colleges and universities for LGBTQstudents. For our list of Best of the Best LGBTQ-friendlyschools, go to bit.ly/37Jri72. Also, check out our Worst ofthe Worst List of institutions that use Title IX exemptionsto discriminate against LGBTQ students.Campus pride has expanded its research to includeLGBTQ inclusion and safety in college sports. If you areinterested in playing NCAA sports in college, check out theCampus Pride Sports Index for athletic programs rankings.Find resources for trans athletes at transathlete.com.LGBTQ-Friendly College FairsCampus Pride hosts a series of college fairs forstudents and families looking to attend LGBTQ-friendlycolleges. The organization is the only in the nation thathosts an LGBTQ-friendly college fair program in six citiesacross the country.LGBTQ Student Scholarships,Fellowships and GrantsWhen looking at prospective schools, cost of admissionis a big concern for many students and families. In additionto financial aid and merit-based scholarships, manyuniversities and other organizations offer scholarships,fellowships and grants for LGBTQ students.National LGBTQ organizations have compiled databasesfor LGBTQ students to find scholarships availableto them all in one place. To find scholarships you qualifyfor, visit the Campus Pride National LGBTQ ScholarshipNetwork and HRC Scholarship Database. There are alsominority scholarships for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asianand Pacific Islander students. The Point Foundation alsooffers scholarships, mentorships and other LGBTQ studentmerit programs. : :Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2021 qnotes 11
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QNotes, August 20, 2021

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