Transgender and gender non-conforming youth face challenges at home, school and in society at large. Many residents of the Cape and Islands are working hard toward eliminating all forms of discrimination, hoping to live free from judgment and harassment. According to the Centers for Disease Control, negative attitudes toward the LGBTQ community put these youth at increased risk for violence such as bullying, teasing, and physical and verbal harassment. The Centers also found that LGBTQ youth were more than twice as likely to have attempted suicide as their heterosexual peers. Most people involved in LGBTQ issues believe education is key to creating a more open, safe and accepting society. On The Point, Mindy Todd interviews Alex Ginothe author of George, a book for middle grade students featuring a transgender protagonist. We then join in a conversation with members of Thrive and PFLAG, two organizations that provide supports and programs for LGBTQ and straight youth. Scott Fitzmaurice, Executive Director of Thrive, also joins us in the studio.
