I know my life could have been a lot easier for me at my catholic middle school if there was a gay - straight student alliance and certainly if there were ANY policies put in place to support me through the relentless name calling and bullying I experienced. Other students would call out "LESBIAN!" and some other choice words when I walked by. At that time I wasn't even questioning my sexual orientation so how could these strangers know this about me and I didn't. I asked one my bullies why they even thought I was a lesbian. Her answer was because I played hockey and liked other sports.
Not having any of my teachers intervene when this was happening, I didn't feel as though I could go to them for help. Perhaps if my teachers were trained and had a policy or procedure regarding LGBTQ youth I could have had the support and guidance I deserved from my school and maintained my confidence.