Students are neither prepared nor equipped to handle these and other insults-either emotionally or mentally. No one should have to submit to this sort of hatred. The consequences are shocking. Eighty percent of young gays and lesbians report severe social isolation. Depression is four to five times more severe for young homosexuals than their heterosexual counterparts.
Suicide is the leading cause of death in young homosexuals.
Homophobia is truly a tragedy of epidemic proportions. It is caused by humanity's desire to vilify what is not understood. According to studies, people who know someone who is gay or lesbian is less likely to be homophobic. Fear of being victims of violence keeps sexual minorities in the closet, thus resulting in fewer people who know individuals who are openly gay. A vicious circle presents itself.