▼ Gay and lesbian students often face homophobia, discrimination, and even violence as a part of their routine high school experience. This homophobia has a negative effect on their education. A series of semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions were conducted with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) students enrolled at a Midwestern university. This study sought to determine what challenges LGBT students faced and how these challenges could be overcome. Participants in this study described the many challenges they experienced. They also identified support systems within their schools (schools in this paper meaning high schools) as well as suggestions for how their schools could do more to address the unique challenges faced by LGBT students. Most participants felt that school staff members need to be provided with professional development about LGBT students and the challenges they face to help combat homophobia in schools. Advisors/Committee Members: Gut, Dianne M.