ABSTRACT
School climate and gender related issues that arise in middle and high school settings are discussed and analyzed, with specific focus on the developmental processes and challenges of youth who identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgender (GLBT), or who are otherwise perceived as gender non-conforming. The role of the social environment of the school in these developmental processes, and the responsibilities of education professionals, are described. Issues are addressed relating to school climate, heterosexism, and bullying and harassment of students who identify or who are identified by others as GLBT or gender nonconforming. Social justice and advocacy strategies for professional educators are presented as best practices for creating safe schools for all students.
