 1. Selection: Noticing what’s different  2. Organization: File folders in our minds  3. Interpretation: Applying value  4. Negotiation: Facilitating communication

2011 National School Climate Survey 81.9% - verbal harassment 38.3% - physical harassment 18.3% - physical assault 84.8% - derogatory comments (e.g. “dyke” & “faggot”) 71.3% - homophobic remarks (e.g. “That’s so gay.”)

 Increased levels of victimization is related to …  Increased levels of depression and…  Decreased levels of self-esteem THE TREVOR PROJECT  LGBT teens are 4 times more likely to commit suicide

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force 50% - negative reactions from parents 26% - are kicked out of their homes by parents 33% - physically assaulted in foster care or shelters 20% to 40% - all homeless youth are LGBT = 300,000 youth per year

 4. Negotiation - Look past our differences - Find a common ground - This facilitates communication