The Harm of Not Having LGBTQ+ Inclusion

LGBTQ+ inclusion in the media and the world has come an astronomically long way since where it was when it began. Casting directors have started incorporating more and more queer representation in films, TV shows, and stage productions; Modeling agencies have started hiring more diverse populations for magazines, ads, and brand deals; and many other companies and areas of work have begun to follow suit. This has of course been groundbreaking, and incredibly helpful to younger generations; questioning or not, and so simply and incredibly important for everyone to see. Because of this, however, it can be easy to forget just how far we still have to go, most especially in places of education; where LGBTQ+ people are often alienated and othered.
When we surveyed just our class via a Google form, we were shocked by the results. 38.1% of students in our class didn't even know what the LGBTQ+ community was, and 19% said that they did not feel comfortable enough in the school environment to be open about their gender identity/sexual orientation. We were most definitely not expecting these results, but are not all too surprised. 

 Even if to the average Cisgendered and Heterosexual eyes, an occasional queer character in a TV show has no meaning, to others, it can be life-changing. Not only for LGBTQ+ youth is representation very important, however. When CisHet students learn early on about the normality of queer people, they are far less likely to bully or mistreat people in the community in the future. And for students who are in the community, learning early on will help them learn more about themselves and hear that they are normal and human. This can prevent queer students from experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and feeling othered in all environments. Overall, in schools, we must normalize LGBTQIA+ education to create more educated and accepting adults and to help queer students feel welcome.