The consequences of physical and verbal abuse directed towards LGBT students include truancy, dropping out of
school, poor grades, and having to repeat a grade. In one study, 28% of LGBT youth dropped out of school due to
peer harassment. (GLSEN)
• LGBT youth are twice as likely to abuse alcohol, three times more likely to use marijuana, and 8 times more likely
to use cocaine/crack than non-LGBT youth. (Lambda Legal)
• LGBT individuals account for 30% of all suicides each year. (Lambda Legal)
• Greater than 50% of transgender youth attempt suicide. (University of NH)
• Roughly 34% of LGBT youth report suffering physical violence from their parents as a result of their sexual
orientation and/or gender identity. (GLSEN)
• Up to 46% of LGBT youth of color experience physical violence related to their sexual orientation.
• 26% of LGBT youth are forced to leave home because of conflicts with family over sexual orientation and/or
gender identity. (Lambda Legal)
• 25-40% of the youth who become homeless each year are LGBT, and the number is likely much higher. (Lambda
Legal)
• More than one anti-transgender murder per month is reported in the USA, and in the last 10 years, 51 youth have
been murdered in confirmed cases of anti-transgender attacks; the actual number is likely much higher.
(GenderPAC)
• According to NGLTF (National Gay and Lesbian Task Force):
o Only 9 states and the District of Columbia protect LGBT people from employment, housing and other
discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression (approximately 34% of the USA
population); another 8 states protect based on sexual orientation only. Wisconsin is one of these 8.