As anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric has skyrocketed across the state and county, so do mental health concerns among LGBTQ+ students and colleagues. You can help. Find out how you can foster safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments.
All students and educators deserve to feel safe and supported at school, where students spend most of their waking hours. Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ students face higher risks of violence and discrimination at school, home, and in their communities. According to a 2024 report from the United States CDC:
- One in three LGBTQ+ youth report being bullied on school property in the last year.
- One in five LGBTQ+ youth skipped school last year due to safety concerns.
- LGBTQ+ students are nearly three times more likely to have considered suicide in the past year.
- Over 64% of LGBTQ+ students report feeling sad or hopeless for more than two weeks in the last year
The good news is that creating affirming school environments can significantly improve the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. For instance, transgender and nonbinary students who have their pronouns respected attempt suicide at half the rate of those who do not. Additionally, LGBTQ+ students who feel supported and encouraged at school are less likely to report mental health challenges.
Below are a few ways that you can shift the narrative and create inclusive environments for the LGBTQ+ youth and staff at your schools.
How to Show That YOU Are a Safe Person:
→Make Your Support Visible:
If you are able, decorate your space with items that signify allyship, like a pronoun button or poster, a flag, or a poster of an LGBTQ+ artist.
→Model Using Your Pronouns:
Model understanding by using your pronouns when you introduce yourself. Ask students what name and pronouns they would like to use and be sure to leave this information for substitute teachers or other educators that might work with the student.
→Use Inclusive Language:
Instead of addressing your class as “boys and girls” or “ladies and gentlemen,” consider using words like “students” or “friends,” or content specific words like “scientists.”
→Don’t Tolerate Bullying or Slurs:
Show your students that they have allies and you will not tolerate bullying.
→Ask LGBTQ+ students and colleagues how you can support them:
As anti-LGBTQ+ legislation increases across the country, so do mental health concerns among the LGBTQ+ community. Community support is important; reach out to your students and colleagues and ask how you can support them.
Responding to the Needs of LGBTQ+ Youth:
Out Maine: Out Maine works to build welcoming and affirming communities for Maine’s LGBTQ+ youth. Check out their resources for educators including support circles, programs, training, and more. Find their resources and learn more at outmaine.org or See links below.
GLSEN: Founded by a group of teachers, GLSEN has done extensive research to develop appropriate resources for school communities. Check out their resources at GLSEN.org. or See links below.
NEA Toolkit: NEA has put together a comprehensive toolkit of ways to help educators support and protect their LGBTQ+ students. You can find the complete toolkit here: See links below.
NEA’s Micro Credentials: Designed for all members, particularly those committed to addressing bias around sexual orientation and gender identity, this program teaches school personnel how to create a safe school climate for students and staff. Micro Credentials can be found here: See links below.
LINKS
Out Maine: Out Maine works to build welcoming and affirming communities for Maine’s LBGTQ+ youth. Check out their resources for educators including support circles, programs, training, and more. Find their resources and learn more at outmaine.org.
GLSEN: Founded by a group of teachers, GLSEN has done extensive research to develop appropriate resources for school communities. Check out their resources at GLSEN.org.
NEA Tool Kit: NEA has put together a comprehensive toolkit of ways to help educators support and protect their LBGTQ+ students. You can find the complete toolkit here: LGBTQ+ Support & Protection | NEA
NEA’s Micro Credentials: Designed for all members, particularly those committed to addressing bias around sexual orientation and gender identity, this program teaches school personnel how to create a safe school climate for students and staff. Micro Credentials can be found here: Safety, Bias, & LGTBQ+ Issues | NEA
