Supporting LGBTQ+ Students, Families, and staff

Even one supporting adult can change a young person’s life.  Showing up for LGBTQ+ young people helps create a world where they are seen, valued, and supported.

998 Lifeline: LGBTQI+ people under 25 can access 24/7/365 LGBTQ+ support via 988 chat or by text by typing PRIDE. They will be asked if they want to opt-in to this support before being connected to a counselor. People can also call 988 and press 3 to be connected to LGBTQ+ services. Click on the links for these resources. 

Trevor Project:  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. 

Order stickers, signs, etc. for suicide prevention

To download, click on the links or icons below:
RESOURCE

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.

RESOURCE

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).

QUICK COURSE
This course is meant to provide a quick overview and strategy ideas for schools to affirm and support LGBTQ+ students.  Click here to go to the course.
COURSE
This course contains practical advice for schools and individuals who want to live out inclusive values and remain committed to advocacy year-round. Click here to go the course.
RESOURCE

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. 

ARTICLE
Click here for a short article from Child Mind Institute helps parents and caregivers support their children express their identity at school by providing emotional support and by helping them navigate school rules and relationships with teachers and peers.
RESOURCE
All students in Illinois have the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of their gender identity. As outlined in this guidance, issued December 2021, schools in Illinois may not discriminate against a student because of their gender-related identity, including treating them differently because their gender-related identity does not align with their designated sex at birth.  Click here to read and/or download guide.
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