The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law has estimated in 2011 that there are 9 million Americans who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
The Huffington Post has reported that a recent study has revealed there are over one million African-American LGBT adults living in the United States, with 84,000 reported to be in same-sex households and 34% of them raising children. And that’s only the African-American community.
Despite the LGBT community growing rapidly, many people still remain uneasy and hostile when confronted with someone whose sexual orientation doesn’t match their expectations. Recent statistics on bullying indicate that gay and lesbian teenagers are 2-3 times more likely to commit suicide than other youths, while 30% of all suicides have been caused by a sexual identity crisis. LGBT students have been found to be five times more likely to miss school due to feeling unsafe after being bullying about their sexual orientation.
One young woman wants to see this unacceptable discrimination come to an end and she’s calling to have a little chat with straight people everywhere. Putting her poetry skills to use, Denice Frohman has a very important message for those who are yet to come to terms with her sexual orientation.
About the Author
