“What Does Gay Mean?” is a new anti-bullying program designed to improve understanding and respect for youth who are gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender (GLBT). Centered on an educational booklet, called “What Does Gay Mean?” How to Talk with Kids About Sexual Orientation and Prejudice, the program encourages parents and others to communicate and share values of respect with their children.

The Mental Health America has initiated this program because we are concerned about the well being of GLBT youth. They face daily threats to their mental and physical health -- ranging from anti-gay taunts to beatings – in their schools and communities. Research indicates that 31 percent of gay youth were threatened or injured at school in just the last year. These experiences have a devastating impact on the educational success and mental health of these youth and others who witness it's process.

Anti-gay prejudice affects straight youth, too. In fact, for every gay, lesbian and bisexual youth who reported being harassed, four straight students said they were harassed because they were perceived as being gay or lesbian.

We encourage you to use this Web site as a resource in your discussions with youth about sexual orientation and prejudice.

For more information, contact:
Mental Health America
2000 N. Beauregard Street, 6th Floor
Alexandria, VA  22311
Phone 800-969-NMHA (6642)
TTY 800-433-5959
Fax 703-684-5968
Email: infoctr@nmha.org

Anti-Gay Bullying Survey (1,802KB pdf-Large file)

Booklet for Parents
Print Version (154kPDF)
Purchase multiple copies of What Does Gay Mean? brochure

• Introduction
• Why Should I Read This?
• Tips for Your Discussion

How to Talk with:

• Pre-School Age Children
• School-Age Children
• Teenagers

Questions and Answers
Resources
Tip Sheets

• Bullying and What to Do About It
• Bullying and Gay Youth

National Mental Health Association
2000 N. Beauregard Street, 6th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959