{"id":10432,"date":"2016-08-11t12:52:43","date_gmt":"2016-08-11t16:52:43","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.k12fl.com\/advocates-blog\/advocates-blog-advocates-blog\/finding-hope-in-a-hopeless-time\/"},"modified":"2019-09-16t16:59:54","modified_gmt":"2019-09-16t20:59:54","slug":"finding-hope-in-a-hopeless-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/\/www.k12fl.com\/世界杯2022亚洲预选赛b组 \/finding-hope-in-a-hopeless-time\/","title":{"rendered":"finding hope in a hopeless time"},"content":{"rendered":"

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aspirational role models, strong and authentic connections to family and school, and equitable opportunities for a promising future are the cornerstones of healthy youth development \u2013 but lgbt youth grow up with little to sustain such a promise. fear of homophobia keeps our lgbt educators from coming out as role models in our classrooms and our administrators from intervening effectively to stamp out bullying and violence on school grounds. we do not offer history or science or math lessons in which lgbt americans are celebrated for their accomplishments or shout back loudly enough when some of our faith leaders misguidedly condemn the \u201chomosexual lifestyle.”  we have not banded together for gun control.  we have not put a line in the proverbial sand to say\u2014no!  not one of our youth will ever go homeless.<\/p>\n

as the president of an organization that works with and for young people, i will tell you that youth, including lgbt youth, can be incredibly resilient\u2014when given the support, love and acceptance they need.  young people are already leaders in the movement for lgbt health and rights.  they not only advocate for changes in their schools, but they provide a support system for other lgbt young people \u2013 a network of young people working together to care for one another.  and millennials are the most accepting generation in history of lgbt individuals, valuing their humanity and supporting their struggle for equality.<\/p>\n

adults cannot and must not let young people carry this struggle alone.  we need to stand alongside them.  we need to stomp out pernicious systems and attitudes. we need to pay more attention to what is happening to young people, and take a holistic approach to their health and well-being.<\/p>\n

the fight for the health and future of lgbt young people did not end with marriage equality.  the stakes are high.  these young people have the right to safety.  they have the right to family acceptance, safe and supportive school environments, and lgbt mentors who can reflect back at them just how great they can be.  most of all we need to love and cherish our lgbt youth for exactly who they are.  we must stand with young people as they reach for a safe and happy future.<\/p>\n

the power is in our hands.  how will you use it?<\/p>\n