The crisis facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) adolescents today is overwhelming. With greater amounts of research becoming available to the public, and with current models of how the performing arts are proven to aid in the development of adolescents, there could be a direct correlation between theatre and reducing the risk factors associated with LGBT youth. The purpose of this study is to provide a persuasive argument in favor of theatre programming for LGBT youth.
Throughout the second chapter of this study, I intend to examine the risk factors associated with LGBT adolescence in an effort to prove demonstrable need for LGBT Youth-centered programming. A combination of factors contributes to the high risk factors associated with LGBT adolescents. Rejection and lack of support from families, religious groups, and society enhance the adolescent’s isolation and belief that there is “something wrong” with them. Constant pressures at school, including verbal and physical harassment and assaults, lack of supportive peers, and teachers who either do not have the training or desire to guide them, make their daily education an agonizing experience. These challenges, along with further stress created by their own ethnic groups, psychiatric professionals, and the justice system, all combine to place LGBT students at alarmingly high risk for behaviors and consequences such as drug and alcohol abuse, social isolation, poor relationships, homelessness, prostitution, disease, chronic depression, and suicide. Without assistance, they may never make it through adolescence to adulthood, and if they do, they may have difficulties adjusting and becoming successful, contributing members of society.
Chapter III will discuss and assess different methods recommended to decrease at-risk behavior in both LGBT adolescents and adolescents in general. My intent is to prove that theatre encompasses all these methods, and can theoretically be a means of assisting the development of LGBT youth. Research proves that organized youth programs, support groups, and the existence of positive role models are highly beneficial in the positive development of both heterosexual and LGBT youth. Further research strongly indicates that the performing arts are a highly effective means of aiding in the positive development of youth, particularly those considered at-risk. For at-risk youth, theatre provides a unique opportunity for them to have a voice and express themselves in a supportive environment, thus providing an experience of catharsis.
Continuing this theory, Chapter IV will study five theatre programs in the United States whose sole purpose is to aid and support LGBT youth. These theaters utilize narrative-based storytelling and supportive environments to help students achieve a cathartic experience, thus improving their development and readying them for adulthood. Through my studies of True Colors: OUT Youth Theater, About Face Youth Theatre, Pride Players, Proud Theater, and QSpeak, I will demonstrate that LGBT youth theatre is filling a need, both for the students that participate, and within the community.
By the end of this thesis I intend to have formed a persuasive argument in favor of continued LGBT youth theatre programming, along with my suggestions for the future. Through this argument I hope to make a case that further funding and research would not only be beneficial to existing and future theatres, but essential to the community, and especially to the students.