Bullying

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Network and the Indiana Youth Group (IYG) are among the organizations that have expressed their support for 17 year old Dynasty Young, the bullied gay teen from Indiana who's been expelled for using an electrical self-protection device as a way of protecting himself against physical violence.

Following GLAAD media training, Dynasty Young and his mother, Chelisa Grimes, have shared their story on Good Morning America, CNN and MSNBC. GLAAD staff have also been working closely with local and national media outlets to ensure that this story is told in an accurate and thoughtful way.

On Thursday we shared with you the story of Dynasty Young, the openly gay high-school student who's now facing expulsion after using an electrical self-protection device in response to severe bullying. In order for media coverage of this story to meet fair, accurate and inclusive journalistic standards, several important questions need to be raised.

In a rare and poignant display of outspoken advocacy, Iowa's Sioux City Journal devoted the entire front page of its popular Sunday edition to a powerful anti-bullying message (and image).

A school district in Suffolk, VA is considering a ban on 'cross-dressing' and claims that this policy change would protect students from harassment and bullying. This proposed policy is extremely problematic and amounts to nothing more than preemptive victim-blaming.