I am in Law Enforcement. I am the Lieutenant in charge of investigations at a Community College in New Mexico. ne of my officers took a report regarding the bullying and assault of a male student. The student came out to his instructor and is very upset. The instructor is concerned that this student believes that because he is gay, he will always be bullied and assaulted, because that's what happens when you are gay. I plan on meeting with the instructor Monday afternoon. I am hoping that the student will participate. I have resources in the court system, but I don't have many reasources that can provide counseling and support for this young man. Any assistance you can provide will be appreciated. Warmest Regards, Lt. Tom Conklin
Signed,
Tom, 54, Albuquerque NM

Hello Lt. Conklin,

 

Thank you for taking the time and providing support for this young man. Having school and law enforcemnt officials take an active role will bring about the end of bullying. Thank you for stepping up.

 

There are a number of organizations that work specifically in schools to address homophobia and transphobia against LGBT students. One such organization is the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) which works to ensure safe schools for ALL students. On their website at www.glsen.org click on "what we do" where you can find programs which may help people in the school address the bullying. You can call the GLSEN office in New York at 212-727-0135 as they may be able to help you or point you towards someone who can help you.

 

There are a number of other resources which may provide a sense of community for this young man. Trevorspace, at www.trevorspace.org, is the Trevor Project's safe, online social networking site for LGBTQ young people ages 13 to 24 their friends and allies.

 

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a great organization, made up mostly of parents, which supports LGBTQ people and works to help parents and others to become more supportive and accepting of their loved one's sexual orientation/gender identity. They have a local chapter in Albuquerque. http://www.pflagabq.org/

 

http://www.newmexicoglbtqcenters.org/links.html#org

 

This link lists a few LGBT organizations in New Mexico. Perhaps, this student can find some communities that offer support. This young man can always call the Trevor lifeline at 1-866-4-U-Trevor (1-866-488-7386) and talk with a Trevor lifeline counselor. We are here whenever he needs someone to listen. They can also assist him in finding a therapist, if that seems helpful.

 

Thank you again for stepping up and giving the bullying the attention it deserves. Thank you for being part of the solution.