Jasmine Smoot-Leyva

There’s no question that the mental health of students in public education needs to be taken seriously. Poor mental health can affect grades, participation, cause substance abuse, and can cause even more serious problems down the line, such as depression. However, one group of kids are often brushed off when it comes to their mental health: LGBTQA+ students. LGBTQA+ students in the public education system are more susceptible to bullying, harassment, and even suicidal thoughts due to their sexuality/gender expression. In this essay, I would like to highlight the common problems LGBTQA+ students face in their day-to-day lives during adolescence and how school administrators, staff, and counselors can help improve and prevent mental health issues.

If you’ve seen the news or been on the internet lately, I’m sure you’re well aware that the cannabis business is booming right now. With more and more states legalizing pot, more and more businesses are coming out of the woodworks to offer their goods and services. If you run your own cannabis shop, or are looking to start one up someday, here are a few ideas to get your mind on the right page.

How would the legal recognition of a “third gender” or gender “X” change the lives of non-binary/genderqueer individuals? What are the potential implications and challenges someone would face for identifying as the “third gender”/gender “X”?

In the last two or three decades, rights for the LGBTQA+ population has skyrocketed. Gay marriage become legal in the United States, the inclusion of GSA (gay-straight alliance) clubs became a staple in most public schools, nondiscrimination laws were passed in various states… the list goes on! However, one particular group within the LGBTQA+ community always seems to be overlooked: the non-binary/genderqueer population.

It’s easy to understand our current situation. In the United States, African Americans are three times more likely to be killed by police officers than white people (Mapping Police Violence). Additionally, said offending officers are rarely indicted—and when they are, their sentences are less than favorable. Out of 98 non-federal law enforcement officer arrests, only 35 had been convicted of a crime involving fatal, on-duty shootings since 2005. (Ross, para. 8). The case of Amber Guyger, however, proves to be an exception.

Remember when the internet was just something you could play games on? Something that would make a weird noise and stop your mum from using the home phone?