Even before the pandemic, LGBTQIA+ students were more likely to be absent than their peers. This trend is attributable to a number of factors including facing bullying and hostile school climates, dealing with mental health issues like depression and suicidality, and housing instability after being rejected by family members. For all of these reasons, chronic absenteeism among youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ should be treated with concern, rather than punishment. Here are a few things to consider when investigating chronic absenteeism among this population of young people:
- Treat chronic absenteeism as a mental health issue. Studies show that chronic absenteeism among LGBTQIA+ youth – and, in particular, unexcused absences – could be a sign that they are struggling to maintain their mental health. Students may be staying home from school due to depression, anxiety, or even suicidality related to coming to terms with their identity – a process made increasingly difficult by the recent spate of legislative attacks against drag queens, LGBTQIA+ books, and gender affirming care. Rather than punishing LGBTQIA+ students or taking their families to truancy court, consider reaching out to the student and family through a home visit or school counseling session to find out what is really going on, and how the school can help.
- Examine anti-bullying policy. LGBTQIA+ students often stay home from school because they face verbal and physical bullying. If one or more queer students suffer from chronic absenteeism, investigate the possibility that they are being bullied by classmates and / or teachers, administrators, or staff. Ensure that the school has a process for anonymously reporting bullying, and a way to address and eliminate bullying without putting the bullied students at risk. Doing so will not only help LGBTQIA+ students, but will make the building friendlier and more accepting for all students, regardless of their identities.
- Improve school climate. Given the public onslaught against LGBTQIA+ people – and, especially, trans people at this moment – it is essential for schools to feel like safe haven that are accepting of all identities. Follow best practices for making schools welcoming for all learners by implementing policies like incorporating LGBTQIA+ people and topics into curricula to training adults at school how to be allies to incorporating and normalizing the use of pronouns. Steps like these are essential to making schools safer and more inclusive spaces.
- Ask chronically absent students about housing instability. Unfortunately, some LGBTQIA+ students who come out to their families are rejected and even kicked out of their homes. Create partnerships with community organizations that support queer youth and / or are experts in providing youth with housing stability so that schools can provide the support students need to go home to a safe, stable, and accepting environment where they can get the resources they need to come to school rested, safe, and ready to learn.
- Form a Gay-straight Alliance (GSA). Schools with GSAs not only tend to feel more supportive to queer learners, they also can become a place where students from unsupportive or unstable homes can go to access resources, community, and support for their mental and physical needs. Studies show that, despite often being after school clubs, GSAs can improve overall school climate, reduce bullying, and make schools a more welcoming and affirming place.
