Did you know?

• Adolescence is recognized as a sometimes traumatic, often confusing rite of passage.  For bisexual, gay and lesbian youth, it can be doubly so.  Because of society's hostility and prejudice toward homosexuality, many youth experience confusion about their sexuality, lack self esteem, and have a sense of alienation and isolation.  Lesbian and gay youth are often rejected by family, shunned by friends and harassed at school.

• An estimated 40% of street kids are lesbian or gay.  These youth have either run away or been thrown out of their homes.  Many get involved with prostitution and other abusive behaviors as a way of surviving.

• Many bisexual, gay and lesbian youth drop out of school due to harassment or low self-esteem, and fear of "being found out."

• Over 25% of gay and lesbian youth have severe drug and alcohol problems.

• Gay and lesbian youth account for one-third of all teen suicides.

• Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gendered youth attempt suicide three times more often than their straight/heterosexual peers.

South Carolina Facts

• Employment Discrimination Law:
  The State of South Carolina does not protect its lesbian and gay workers from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.

• Municipalities with Civil Rights Ordinances, Policies, or Proclamations:
  Columbia: Personnel Handbook (public employees), 6/15/93

• Domestic Partnership:
  There are No Municipalities Offering Domestic Partnership Benefits in South Carolina.

• Marriage Law:
  1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted.
  House Bill 4502: Introduced by Rep. Simrill (R) on January 25, 1996. Provides that same-sex couples' marriages performed in other states are not valid or recognized in South Carolina. Passed House.
  Senate Bill 1151: Passed by Senate. Signed by Governor Beasley (R) May 20, 1996.

• "Sodomy" Law:
  South Carolina was one of 20 states with a criminal law outlawing consensual "sodomy." The state, like 14 others, prohibits "sodomy" between both different-sex and same-sex couples.  Although the issue has not been addressed, the US Supreme Court appears to have declared the SC Law unconstitutional.

PO Box 21806 Charleston, SC  29413

Email: wearefamilycharleston@hotmail.com