Supporting LGBTQ+ Students, Families, and staff
- Suicide Prevention
The Trevor Project (866) 488-7386: immediate, free and confidential crisis support for LGBTQ+. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone. Although the organization’s partnership with the 988 hotline is ending, the Trevor Project’s hotline for LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-24 is still active round-the-clock, as it has been since 1998. Those in need can also text 678678 from any SMS service or use the organization’s online chat platform to speak with a counselor. The Trevor Project – Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ+ Young People
IL Pride Connect: support phone line and online resources that include a resource hub, referrals to affirming legal and community services, and advocacy tools. The hotline at 855-805-9200 is staffed Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can assist people with tasks such as accessing healthcare and changing name and gender marker on documents. Illinois Pride Connect – Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago
LGBT National Help Center: the LGBT National Help Center runs multiple phone lines for LGBTQ+ people with differing needs, each open from 1-10 p.m. Central time Monday through Friday and 11-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Operators do not call police or rescue services without callers’ consent but will provide emergency numbers upon request. LGBT National Help Center
LGBT National Hotline: (888) 843-4564
LGBT National Youth Talkline: (800) 246-7743
LGBT National Coming Out Support Hotline: (888) 688-5428
Order stickers, signs, etc. for suicide prevention.
What to Do if You’re Worried Your Child May be Suicidal | Child Mind Institute
- Quick Resources to Support LGBTQ Students
To download, click on the links or icons below:
- Queer Youth Advice for Educators: How to Respect and Protect Your Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Students
- One Brick at a Time: Building Inclusive Classrooms
- LGBTQ Inclusivity in Schools: A Self-Assessment Tool
- Trevvor Project: 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People
This video highlights the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ youth, especially transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming students. It addresses common pushback on inclusivity, providing responses that affirm students’ rights, privacy, and safety. This document accompanies the video, summarizing the pushback scenarios and responses to help individuals navigate these conversations effectively.
You can make a difference! LGBTQ+ student-led clubs and GSAs (Gender and Sexuality Alliances) are leading the work to create safe and LGBTQ-inclusive schools, and student organizers are the nation’s most powerful base for creating change. Along with providing space to organize, GSAs are spaces where students can receive support, socialize, and find community together. Click here to check out resources on how to start a GSA, how to create an inclusive GSA towards trans youth, take part in the Day of Silence, and Solidarity Week (from GLSEN).
- 30 mins
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- 45 mins
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Read up on how transgender and non-binary students are protected by federal laws and constitutional rights, as well as professional development for schools and districts to learn how best to support transgender and non-binary students.
Click here for more information at Human Right Commission’s Welcoming Schools Program.
- 7 mins
