SAN FRANCISCO–The San Francisco school board approved an addition of gay and lesbian programs to its instruction.

Sponsored by the city’s Youth Commission and Human Rights Commission and Student Advisory Council, this program will monitor harassment and discuss sexuality, identity and safety.

“Despite San Francisco’s reputation as a gay-friendly city, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students more frequently experience harassment and are more likely to consider suicide,” district officials said.

These officials allotted $120,000 per year to new LGBT programs. Staff, though, will have to seek outside funding to cover costs. Their guarantee is at least a half-time position.

Thurgood Marshall Academic High School senior Jimmy Zhang said coming out was hard. “I feel uncomfortable and sometimes unmotivated to attend school. The truth is there needs to be more understanding at my school.”

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