Already a published author at age 15, a Massachusetts girl is working hard to spread the message that bullying isn't acceptable -- and that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender teens face a particularly pervasive form of harassment.
Brigitte Berman addressed these topics in her book, Dorie Witt's Guide to Surviving Bullies, and has continued her advocacy through a string of personal appearances and media interviews. According to an article by Hannah Clay Wareham of the Bay Windows newspaper, Berman blends statistics and personal experiences when discussing the problem of bullying:
In the reference section at the back of the book, the author supplies some statistics: "In a national survey conducted on teens 12 to 17 years old by the National Mental Health Association, 78 percent of kids reported that gay or thought-to-be-gay teens are teased and bullied in their schools or communities. Furthermore, 93 percent hear derogatory words about sexual orientation."
"Unfortunately, people are using ’gay’ or ’lesbian’ as an insult, but it’s not an insult. It’s just your sexual orientation," Berman said. "It shouldn’t make a difference [to the way] people view their peers."
Berman’s 13-year-old sister Margot was the target of cyber-based LGBT slurs in the past year. "I remember that she was quite distressed because ... people have posted lesbian remarks about her and her friends, and hinted at them on profiles and on [AOL Instant Messenger]. She was really hurt," Berman recalled.
Labels: teenagers, bullying, gay teens
Posted By: E.B.W.
