5 resources to help LGBTQ youth
Pride Month is coming to a close but creating safe and inclusive school environments for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning) students, and students with LGBTQ family members, is more than a single-month effort.
According to a recent survey from research firm RTI International, LGBTQ students are two to three times more likely than their peers to be physically assaulted or threatened at school, and are “in urgent need of safe and tolerant environments.” But school personnel, who may be in a position to help, often “lack the knowledge and skills to advocate for them.” The Human Rights Campaign says inclusive schools are essential: “It’s simple: students who don’t feel safe can’t focus on learning. Once students feel like they belong, they thrive academically and socially.” The following are some of the many online training and education resources available for teachers and students.
- The Anti-Defamation League offers a set of curricula and recommended books on topics such as marriage equality, LGBTQ history, transgender students, bullying and hate-crime prevention at no cost at this link. Resources include standards-based downloadable lesson plans organized by grade level. According to the Anti-Defamation League, LGBTQ history “is American history and should be integrated into the curriculum throughout the school year.”
- The nonprofit LGBTQ education advocacy group GLSEN, which has chapters 5 resources to help LGBTQ youth | EdSource: