BY STACI WILSON

Tyler Clementi.

Leelah Alcorn.

Two young lives cut short by suicide.

Two young lives also affected by the lack of understanding of sexual preference and sexual identity.

In a training held Thursday, Feb. 18, Trehab moved to raise awareness of LGBTQ issues, including discrimination in the workplace or in a school setting.

Trehab’s Andrew Granick led the “LGBTQ Training 101” workshop.

In the afternoon session dealing with suicide, Granick said often the topic is not brought to the forefront “until another child loses a life.”

Youth identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are three to four times more likely to attempt suicide, Granick said. For those identifying as transgender, the suicide attempt rate is increased. Those statistics are based on the most recent data available, Granick told the audience comprised of social workers, school counselors and others who work in community organizations.

In addition to suicide, the youth are also at a higher risk in other areas, such as homelessness, runaway, and are two to three percent more likely to abuse drugs.

Every two years, the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) compiles a school climate survey. LGBT students from across the country are surveyed about their experiences.

According to the 2013 GLSEN report, 55 percent of LGBT students reported they did not feel safe in their schools because of their sexual orientation; and 74 percent said they had been verbally harassed.

Granick said people are often bullied on social media. “As technology progresses, it gets worse.”

The training program presented by Trehab, not only focused on the school climate survey, but also on the health disparities and cultural awareness.
In terms of what they could do, many attendees noted a need to keep an “open mind.”

Granick also advocated that an inclusive assessment be used and the individual be allowed to self-identify. “No one wants to be an ‘other,’” he said.

Trehab’s next training will focus on gambling addiction and behaviors. It will be held on March 31.

For more information, call 570-278-5273.