Affirming the value of all of our residents is critical to building and fostering a truly inclusive community, one free of prejudice and hate.
According to the Center for Disease Control, data demonstrate that LGB students may be at substantial risk for these serious outcomes:
- More than 40% of LGB students have seriously considered suicide, and 29% reported having attempted suicide during the past 12 months.
- Sixty percent of LGB students reported having been so sad or hopeless they stopped doing some of their usual activities.
- LGB students are up to five times more likely than other students to report using illegal drugs.
- More than 1 in 10 LGB students reported missing school during the past 30 days due to safety concerns. While not a direct measure of school performance, absenteeism has been linked to low graduation rates, which can have lifelong consequences.
Many of these unacceptable outcomes occur because of the environmental factors that LGBT youth have to operate in every day. These factors -- such as acceptance at home, school and within the community -- are greatly influenced by the actions of others.
We are committed to sponsoring and holding a parade in our city to affirm to all LGBTQ residents know, without a doubt, that they are important. That they are loved. That they are valued in Aurora.
