Bullying of LGBT students is reaching epidemic proportions in schools in Japan and the United States at a time when tolerance for students of different races, cultures and abilities is growing.
The paradox is forcing educators to rethink their strategies.
With 70 percent of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) adults in the Tokyo area reporting that they were bullied when they were in school, a program is needed to teach students understanding and acceptance of sexual differences. Failure to do so can lead not only to dropouts but to suicide.