Trans Inclusive Schools
This 30-minute podcast includes information on how to create trans-inclusive schools and build more gender-inclusive school climates.
LGBTQ Inclusion
Supporting LGBTQ+ Students learning playlist
Research demonstrates that an affirming school climate improves behavioral, academic, and mental health outcomes for all students. We know that students are most likely to reach their full academic potential in positive learning environments that are safe, secure, and welcoming and where they feel a sense of belonging. LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than non-LGBTQ+ youth to experience violence at school and have lower levels of school connectedness. LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. These youth are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, they are at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society. LGBTQ+ students deserve to feel safe, valued, and supported in their school communities. Use these courses and resources to help you create supportive and inclusive classrooms and schools. Find lots more in our Resources database by using the search function.
The List – Resources for LGBTQ+ Communities
The List is a Chicagoland-based collection of resources for Trans and Gender Nonconforming folx and those who support them, including advocacy, crisis information, camps and retreats, an additional education.
Trevor Project 2024 National Youth Survey
The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People amplifies the experiences of more than 18,000 LGBTQ+ young people ages 13 to 24 across the United States.
For the sixth year, the U.S. National Survey uncovers the reality that there is a significant association between anti-LGBTQ+ victimization and disproportionately high rates of suicide risk — and that far too many young people struggle to access the mental health care they need.
The survey critically provides data-driven ways we can all show support and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ young people in our lives, based on their own responses — as well as the potentially life-saving benefits of creating affirming spaces and communities.
Youth Services of Glenview
Youth Services is a nonprofit organization which provides individualized, activities-based mental health care for children and adolescents in Chicago’s northern suburbs. With a focus on the social-emotional well-being of the community’s youth, they offer a variety of programs which address the individual needs of each child. Services include individual therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, socialization groups, after-school groups, pride, sexuality education, academic support, juvenile diversion, financial assistance, and referrals. For questions about services or to schedule an intake appointment, please email intake@ysgn.org or call 847-724-2620.
Center on Halsted Community Services
Center on Halsted provides a vast array of programs and services designed to advance Chicago’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) and allied community, including mental health support with therapy, trauma services, assistance for violence survivors, LGBTQ+ affirming youth groups, youth development programs, arts programming, family programming, and young adult resources.
Building a Trans Inclusive School Environment
Transphobia, or discrimination against transgender people, can and does occur in spaces where youth deserve to feel safe and included, such as school. School staff are responsible for fostering a school climate that supports learning and healthy development. Research shows that a student’s sense of belonging improves academic outcomes, increases continuing enrollment, and protects mental health.
This course provides steps you can take to help make your school more safe and inclusive.
Gender-Affirming Care is Trauma-Informed Care
This downloadable tip sheet offers tips for showing support and acceptance for transgender, gender diverse, and intersex (TGI) youth.
Are You an Ally? Try Taking on These 5 Roles
This short course provides an overview of what we mean when we use the term “ally,” which is a person who uses their privileged social identity to empower, support, and defend individuals and groups who are being marginalized. Learners gain an understanding of the different types of allies: a confidant, champion, amplifier, sponsor, or upstander. Allies play important roles in school environments, helping children, youth and staff members feel safe and included, leading to a more positive culture and climate.
