LGBTQ Youth Bullying Experiences in Schools: The Role of School Counselors Within a System of Oppression

ABSTRACT

Sexual minority and gender expansive youth often experience bullying in schools. However, no study to date has provided school-wide LGBTQ-specific antibullying interventions grounded in current national and state laws and policies, nor the professional ethical responsibilities of school counselors. This literature review describes the context of school bullying for this marginalized population and highlights laws and policies preventing the necessary care LGBTQ students need to optimize their school and mental health outcomes. The role of counselors in preventing LGBTQ bullying—and creating a safe school climate—is explored and contextualized with respect to the professional ethics of school counselors. Finally, LGBTQ antibullying interventions that can be implemented by school counselors are examined.

KEYWORDS:

• Antibullying
• LGBTQ students
• prevention
• school counselors
• school-wide interventions

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Roberto L. Abreu

Roberto L. Abreu is a Counseling Psychology doctoral candidate in the Education, School, and Counseling Psychology Department at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.

Whitney W. Black

Whitney W. Black is a Counseling Psychology doctoral candidate in the Education, School, and Counseling Psychology Department at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.

Della V. Mosley

Della V. Mosley is a Counseling Psychology doctoral candidate in the Education, School, and Counseling Psychology Department at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.

Alicia L. Fedewa

Alicia L. Fedewa is an Associate Professor and Program Chair of School Psychology in the Education, School, and Counseling Psychology Department at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.