Research Report

Erasure and Resilience: The Experiences of LGBTQ Students of Color

Native and Indigenous LGBTQ Youth in U.S. Schools

The cover of the GLSEN Research Institute report Erasure and Resilience: The Experiences of LGBTQ Students of Color, Native and Indigenous LGBTQ Youth in U.S. Schools

Erasure and Resilience: The Experiences of LGBTQ Students of Color, Native and Indigenous LGBTQ Youth in U.S. Schools is one of a series of reports on LGBTQ students of color that examines the school experiences of Native and Indigenous LGBTQ youth. Other reports in this series examine the experiences of AAPI, Black, and Latinx LGBTQ youth.

Experiences of racism, homophobia, and transphobia in U.S. schools are prevalent among LGBTQ youth of color. Prior research on LGBTQ youth of color in general has shown that schools nationwide are hostile environments for LGBTQ youth of color, where they experience victimization and discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or all of the above simultaneously. In addition, many LGBTQ youth do not have access to in-school resources that may improve school climate and students’ experiences, such as student clubs and supportive educators. Because LGBTQ students of color are not a monolithic population, this report focuses solely on the school experiences of Native and Indigenous LGBTQ youth, examining indicators of negative school climate, as well as supports and resources.

This report was developed by the GLSEN Research Institute, in partnership with the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY), and examines:

  • Feelings of safety at school due to personal characteristics
  • Experiences of racist and anti-LGBTQ harassment and assault from peers
  • Effects of a hostile school climate on educational well-being and psychological well-being
  • Reporting harassment and assault to school staff and family members, and these adults' responses
  • Experiences with school disciplinary action
  • School resources and supports, including student clubs, supportive educators, and inclusive curriculum

Scroll down for more information about supporting Native and Indigenous LGBTQ youth!

Click here to RSVP for a webinar about this report on April 9, 2020 at 4:00pm ET.

About Study Partners

The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) is a national advocacy organization working to improve the health, safety, and overall well-being of Native American youth ages 24 and under. Founded by former US Senator Byron Dorgan, CNAY is a policy program within the Aspen Institute, headquartered in Washington, DC. CNAY strives to bring greater national attention to the issues facing Native American youth while fostering community-driven solutions, with special emphasis on youth suicide prevention.