Queer Teens Open Up About How They Overcame Bullying

Today is Spirit Day, a day where members of the LGBTQ community and its allies wear purple in order to show support for the many queer youth who are affected by bullying.

Studies reveal that 85% of LGBTQ students report being verbally harassed, 58% of students report feeling unsafe at school, and 64% of LGBTQ students report hearing homophobic remarks from teachers and/or school staff because of their gender expression. Additionally, in a national study, 40% of transgender adults reported having made a suicide attempt, with 92% of these individuals reported having attempted suicide before the age of 25.

That’s why it’s necessary to take a stand against bullying, and why GLAAD is encouraging individuals to take the pledge to do so here.

LGBTQ activist Dylan Marron spoke with with 17-year-old LGBTQ activist Grace Dolan-Sandrino and GLAAD Campus Ambassador Leah Juliett to discuss not only how teens are bullied in schools, but also how to overcome bullying.

They had this conversation at the Hetrick-Martin Institute—home of the Harvey Milk High School, which was founded to create a safe space for LGBTQ youth experiencing bullying.

In the video, both Grace and Leah opened up about the numerous ways they've been bullied in school.

Dylan notes, “I do think it’s important to acknowledge that bullying doesn’t necessarily look like it does in movies. It’s not always physical.”

Watch the entire video below!