55 54 Chapter Five: Supporting Students with Mental Health Difficulties Chapter Four: Diversity on HKUST Campus SENSITIVITY TO LGBTQ STUDENTS LGBTQ refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (or questioning) sexual identity or orientation. Some LGBTQ students may hide and feel reluctant to disclose themselves for fear of being rejected or bullied. Some experience considerable internal struggle and disturbance as they face obstacles, rejection, and challenges from family and society. The two factors known to be the most detrimental to their mental health are hostile school climate and family rejection. Being bullied at school or rejected at home increase the risk of suicide and is associated with increased depression, decreased self-esteem, increased substance addiction and increased school dropout (Fedewa & Ahn, 2011; Toomey, Ryan, Diaz, Card, & Russell, 2010). It would make a great difference to them if you would help to promote an understanding, embracing and supportive environment for students with different sexual orientations and identities. References Fedewa, A. L. & Ahn, S. (2011). The effects of bullying and peer victimization on sexual minority and heterosexual youth: A quantitative meta-analysis of the literature. Journal of GLBT Family Studies, 7(4), 398-418. Toomey, R. B., Ryan, C., Diaz, R., Card, N. A., & Russell, S.T. (2010). Gender nonconforming lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth: School victimization and young adult psychosocial adjustment. Developmental Psychology, 46, 1580-1589. “It would make a great difference to them if you would help to promote an understanding, embracing and supportive environment for students with different sexual orientations and identities.”
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