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## Other Youth Topics

## Breadcrumb

            -  Youth Topics 
            -           Schools      

# Schools

Some LGBTQ+ youth experience supportive, welcoming school environments where they are physically and emotionally safe and their LGBTQ+ identity is respected or even embraced. Others may experience unwelcoming, unsafe, and unsupportive conditions in schools. Research has found that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to experience stress and fear in school than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. This experience is associated with verbal harassment (e.g., being subject to name calling), physical harassment (e.g., being pushed or shoved), and physical assault (e.g., being punched or kicked) because of sexual identity and gender identity/expression.1

These negative conditions can affect the likelihood that LGBTQ+ youth attend and complete school. Research on LGBTQ youth shows that if they experience bullying and victimization, they are more likely to:
                      - drop out of school
                      - have higher absenteeism
                      - have lower postsecondary education aspirations
                      - have higher levels of  depression and anxiety
                      - have lower self-esteem 2

## How to Improve School Experiences for LGBTQ+ Youth

Available research suggests that school climate is a potential protective factor for LGBT youth.3 Regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, all students have the right to a safe, supportive learning environment. Inclusive policies that address sexual orientation and gender identity are linked to more supportive school environments for LGBT youth. These specific policies are also directly linked to decreased truancy and increased positive experiences and perceptions of school climate.4

Students who are harassed, assaulted, or bullied because they are LGBTQ+, or are perceived to be, can benefit from speaking with caring, supportive teachers or other adults in their schools.5 Importantly, schools can:
                      - foster safer, more supportive environments by developing and implementing policies that protect LGBTQ+ youth from discrimination,  violence , and bullying along with establishing practices that foster more affirming learning environments
                      - assess school climate to inform improvement strategies, using tools such as the Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) school climate survey (available at  http://glsen.org/lscs )
                      - build the capacity of teachers and other school staff (e.g., cafeteria workers, bus drivers, security personnel) to create more supportive environments for LGBTQ+ youth
                      - establish organizations and clubs that expand school-based supports for LGBTQ+ youth — in addition to including conversations about LGBTQ+ role models as well as gender and sexual identity in class lessons and school events 6

The following sections provide additional information on these strategies.

### Policies

Schools can support LGBTQ+ youth by encouraging respect for all students and developing and implementing nondiscrimination and anti-bullying policies that include actual or perceived sexual orientation as well as gender identity and expression. Research has found that states with these policies or laws have lower rates of anti-gay remarks in schools, fewer suicide attempts, and lower levels of harassment and assault based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender expression compared with states without these policies or laws.7

### Supportive Adults in Schools

Schools can create safer environments by adopting the following practices: 8
                      - Create safe spaces, such as counselors’ offices, designated classrooms, or student organizations, where LGBTQ+ youth can receive support from administrators, teachers, and other school staff. Research suggests that when teachers get involved to stop harassment and bullying, students feel safer.
                      - Provide teachers with resources and ongoing professional development on LGBTQ+ issues that enhance the cultural competence of school staff. Professional development can focus on ways to discuss LGBTQ+ topics in developmentally-appropriate ways during lessons to create safe, supportive school environments. Professional development can build staff awareness of the language that LGBTQ+ youth use to identify themselves. These approaches can benefit these youth and yield positive school outcomes such as increased school attendance.
                      - Serve as a resource to parents and families by providing affirming information on sexual orientation and gender identity to them (e.g., Safe Schools Coalition ) and working with them to reduce bias and be more supportive.
                      - Work with  families  and students to identify and connect them with  affirming supports  and resources in the community.
                      - Ensure that LGBTQ+ youth who need health services are connected with culturally competent, community-based providers who have experience offering these services to LGBTQ+ youth.

### Supportive Organizations or Clubs

A growing body of research suggests that gay-straight alliances (GSAs) or similar efforts that explicitly acknowledge and include LGBTQ+ students (e.g., safe zones) can play important roles in promoting emotionally and physically safe schools. In particular, GSAs and similar student clubs for LGBTQ+ students are an important strategy for positively connecting students with supportive adults and peers.9 GSAs can help schools address the harassment of LGBTQ+ students, encourage dialogue about diversity and acceptance, and promote respect for all people.10 Research shows that GSAs have numerous positive benefits for students, even among those who do not participate in them, such as creating a more affirming school environment. GSAs can also enhance students’ self-esteem and foster their resilience and coping skills for responding to bias.11 Find local Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) chapters and a registry of GSAs at schools across the United States at GLSEN Chapters or the GSA Network, or register at GLSEN’s student organizing page.

### Inclusion of LGBTQ+ Role Models and Resources on Gender and Sexual Identity in Schools

Schools that are inclusive of LGBTQ+ role models, LGBTQ+ history, and events and observances celebrating LGBTQ+ identity, expression, and well-being as part of their curriculum provide a better school climate and improved academic outcomes for LGBTQ+ students. Schools can also provide age-appropriate, LGBTQ+ -affirming information and resources for students of all ages. Research has found that school-based programs that address sexual/gender identity development, connect youth to their cultural community, and dispel prejudice and discrimination are likely to reduce bullying and harassment directed toward LGBTQ students.12

## Resources

**Developing LGBTQ-Inclusive Classroom Resources**This resource provides practical information on how to develop inclusive and appropriate curriculum and guidance on how to promote inclusive behavior in the classroom.

**Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)**This organization works to ensure safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. More than 40 GLSEN chapters exist around the country. Chapters work closely with the network’s national staff to implement programs and to keep national staff informed of local events. They also cover a variety of subjects and issues, from public policy to teacher training to supporting students and educators around the country.

**Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA)**This organization connects school-based chapters to each other and community resources. Through peer support, leadership development, and training, GSA Network supports young people in starting, strengthening, and sustaining GSAs and builds the capacity of GSAs to: (1) create safe environments in schools for students to support each other and learn about homophobia and other oppressions; (2) educate school communities about homophobia, gender identity, and sexual orientation issues; and (3) fight discrimination, harassment, and violence in schools.

**getREAL (Recognize. Engage. Affirm. Love)**This initiative promotes the healthy development of all children and youth, with a focus on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. getREAL challenges public systems working with children and youth to improve their policies and practices to support the healthy sexual and identity development of all children and youth in child welfare systems.

**A Guide for Understanding, Supporting, and Affirming LGBTQI2-S Children, Youth, and Families****(PDF, 8 pages)**This guide provides information for service providers, educators, allies, and community members who seek to support the health and well-being of children and youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, or two-spirit (LGBTQI2-S) and their families. This guide can support efforts to promote full and affirming inclusion of LGBTQI2-S youth and families in communities and provider settings (e.g., child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, schools). The guide includes a section for organizations to add their endorsement electronically. Both the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) have endorsed the guide.

**LGBTQ Youth Programs-At-A-Glance**This webpage provides examples of federally-funded state and local education agencies that address LGBTQ youth issues through HIV, STD, and pregnancy prevention activities.

**National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)**This association provides resources related to LGBTQ+ students.

**Resources for LGBTQI+ Students**This webpage provides resources that may be of interest to LGBTQI+ students and allies.

**Stopbullying.gov: Bullying and LGBTQ Youth**This website provides information related to bullying of LGBTQ youth along with resources and tips to create supportive environments for LGBTQ people.

**Welcoming Schools Project**This project addresses family diversity, gender stereotyping, and bullying/name-calling in K-5 learning environments. The project offers professional development tools, lessons aligned with Common Core State Standards, and additional resources for elementary schools.

## References

1 Hunter & Schaecher, 1987; Poirier, 2012; Reis & Saewyc, 1999; Reis, 1999; U.S. Government Accountability Office, 20122 Kim, 2009; Kosciw et al., 20123 Ryan, Russell, Huebner, Diaz, & Sanchez, 20104 Day, Ioverno, & Russell, 20195 O’Shaughnessy, Russell, Heck, Calhoun, & Laub, 2004; Safe Schools Coalition, 2005, n.d.6 Espelage, 2011; Russell, 2010; Poirier, 20127 Hatzenbuehler & Keyes, 2013; Hatzenbuehler et al., 20148 Hatzenbuehler et al., 2014; Bauermeister et al., 20159 Meyer, 2010; Munoz-Plaza, Quinn, & Rounds, 2002; Poirier, 2012; Valenti, 201010 Duncan, 201111 Lee, 2002; Macgillivray, 2007; Toomey, Ryan, Diaz, & Russell, 201112 GLSEN, 201

## Other Resources on this Topic

### Announcements 

                          - Brief: Discriminatory Transgender Health Bills Have Critical Consequences for Youth
                          - Fact Sheet: System Involvement Among LBQ Girls and Women
                          - LGBTQ Inclusivity in Schools
                          - Online Training: Healthy Sexuality for Youth in Foster Care: An Online Training for Parents and Caregivers of Youth in Foster Care
                          - Pride Month Census Data
                          - Report: Experiences of LGBTQ People in Four-Year Colleges and Graduate Programs
                          - Report: Homelessness and Housing Instability Among LGBTQ Youth
                          - Report: Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and Action to Support and Affirm LGBTQI+ Youth
                          - Report: Multiracial LGBTQ+ Youth Face Heightened Suicide Risk
                          - Report: The GSA Study: Results of National Surveys About Students’ and Advisors’ Experiences in Gender and Sexuality Alliance Clubs
                          - Report: Violent Victimization by Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, 2017–2020
                          - Research: Examining the Relationship Between LGBTQ-Supportive School Health Policies and Practices and Psychosocial Health Outcomes of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Students
                          - Resource: 2023 International Transgender Day of Visibility
                          - Resource: 2SLGBTQ Community Readiness Survey
                          - Resource: Adoption Triad - Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth Who Are Adopted
                          - Resource: AFFIRM Caregiver: Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Caregivers of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (LGBTQ+) Populations
                          - Resource: Affirming and Supporting LGBTQ Children and Youth in Child Welfare
                          - Resource: Core Youth Outcomes in Youth of Color
                          - Resource: FAQ Update on 988 Services for LGBTQI+ Youth
                          - Resource: Federal Evidence Agenda on LGBTQI+ Equity
                          - Resource: Federal Funding to Support LGBTQIA2S+ Children, Youth, Young Adults, and Families
                          - Resource: Gender-Affirming Care and Young People
                          - Resource: Inclusive Practices Help All Students Thrive
                          - Resource: LGBTQ Inclusivity Tool
                          - Resource: LGBTQ+ Glossary of Terms
                          - Resource: LGBTQ+ Youth Engagement Virtually and In-Person
                          - Resource: LGBTQIA2S+ Youth Experiencing Homelessness
                          - Resource: Measuring the Impact of Professional Development
                          - Resource: Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth
                          - Resource: Most Kids with Parent in Same-Sex Relationship Live with Female Couple
                          - Resource: National Clearinghouse on Homeless Youth and Families (NCHYF)
                          - Resource: NCFY
                          - Resource: Podcast Series: Collecting Data on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression
                          - Resource: Preventing Suicide Requires a Comprehensive Approach
                          - Resource: Protecting the Rights and Providing Appropriate Services to LGBTQIA2S+ Youth in Out-of-Home Care
                          - Resource: Providing Culturally Competent Mental Health Care to LGBTQIA+ Youth & Young Adults
                          - Resource: Sexual Health Resource Toolkit for Parents and Caregivers of Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
                          - Resource: Supporting LGBTQI+ Students Experiencing Homelessness
                          - Resource: Supporting the Health and Well-Being of Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth
                          - Resource: The National Center for Youth with Diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Expression (The National SOGIE Center) 
                          - Resource: Toolkit for Implementing Authentic Youth Engagement Strategies Within State Advisory Groups
                          - Resource: Toolkit: Creating Inclusive and Nondiscriminatory School Environments for LGBTQI+ Students
                          - Resource: Voices Amplified
                          - Resource: What Does it Mean to be Two-Spirit?
                          - Resource: Working Virtually With Families of LGBTQ+ Youth.
                          - Resource: Youth Acceptance Project
                          - Resource: Youth Advisory Councils
                          - Resource: Youth AFFIRM: Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (LGBTQ+) Populations
                          - Share with Youth: Complete GLSEN 2019 National School Climate Survey
                          - Share with Youth: LGBT Resources — Learn More, Get Involved, and Be Proud of Who You Are!
                          - Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth: A Guide for Foster Parents
                          - Toolkit: Celebrating our Magic: Resources for American Indian/Alaska Native Transgender and TwoSpirit Youth, Their Relatives and Families, and their Healthcare Providers
                          - Webinar Recording: The Impact of Bias, Inequities, and Injustices in Supporting Students Impacted by Human Trafficking
                          - Webinar Series: Supporting Gender Diverse Indigenous Youth
                          - Working With LGBTQ+ Families in Foster Care and Adoption
                          - Youth Voices Have Moved to YE4C

### Briefs 

                          - Recommended Actions to Improve the Health and Well-Being of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Communities

### Collaboration Profiles 

                          - Providing Unbiased Services for LGBTQ Youth Project
                          - Y2CONNECT.org

### Data Sources 

                          - 2011-2021 YRBS Data Summary and Trends Report

### Feature Articles 

                          - June is LGBT Pride Month
                          - Just Launched! Redesigned YE4C
                          - New Brief Highlights the Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth in Child Welfare Settings
                          - New Reports Highlight Human Service Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Populations
                          - New Reports Highlight the Human Service Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender (LGBT) Populations

### Publications 

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                          - How Are the Lives of LGBTQ Youth Improved by Gay-Straight Alliances?
                          - Identifying and Serving LGBTQ Youth: Case Studies of Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Grantees
                          - Key Policy Letters from the Education Secretary and Deputy Secretary
                          - Learning from the Field: Listening Tour of Programs Serving Youth who are LGBTQI2-S and Experiencing Homelessness
                          - Meeting the Needs of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth
                          - Online Sexual Health Resources
                          - Parents’ Influence on the Health of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Teens: What Parents and Families Should Know
                          - Pride in Our Progress
                          - Primary Sources: Learning How Service Providers and Policy Makers Can Help LGBTQ Homeless Youth
                          - Q&A: Meeting the Needs of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth
                          - Report: Health-Related Behaviors among Students
                          - Sexual Risk Behavior Differences Among Sexual Minority High School Students — United States, 2015 and 2017
                          - The Economic Well-Being of LGB Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care

### Resources 

                          - 5 Online Resources to Help Domestic Violence Programs Offer Inclusive Services to LGBTQ People
                          - Brief: the Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Youth in Child Welfare Settings
                          - Ending Housing Discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Individuals and Families
                          - LGBT Populations: A Snapshot of the Knowledge Base and Research Needs
                          - LGBT Youth Resources
                          - Report: Recommendations of the LGBT Subcommittee: Advancing the Reform Process for LGBQ/GNCT Youth in the Juvenile Justice System
                          - Report: Surviving the Streets of New York: Experiences of LGBTQ Youth, YMSM, and YWSW Engaged in Survival Sex
                          - Research: Does Sexual Orientation Affect Teen Pregnancy Risk?
                          - Resource: Guidance to Help Schools Ensure the Civil Rights of Transgender Students
                          - Resource: Helping Youth Prevent Suicide Among Their LGBTQ Peers
                          - Resource: LGBTQ Youth: Voices of Trauma, Lives of Promise
                          - Resources for Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth
                          - Safe Spaces. Safe Places: Creating Welcoming and Inclusive Environments for Traumatized LGBTQ Youth
                          - Share with Youth: This Free Life
                          - The Equal Access to Housing Rule and Youth

### Technical Assistance 

                          - Runaway and Homeless Youth Training and Technical Assistance Centers

### Tools & Guides 

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                          - Top Health Issues for LGBT Population Information and Resource Kit

### Videos & Podcasts 

                          - NCFY Voices: Does It Get Better for LGBTQ Teens?
                          - Podcast: Teen Pregnancy Prevention for LGBTQ Youth
                          - Voices from the Field: LGBT-Friendly Teen Pregnancy Prevention

### Websites 

                          - Healthy People 2020

### Youth Topics 

                          - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
                          - Suicide Prevention

## Youth Briefs

How Individualized Education Program (IEP) Transition Planning Makes a Difference for Youth with Disabilities
Youth who receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) and especially young adults of transition age, should be involved in planning for life after high school as early as possible and no later than age 16. Transition services should stem from the individual youth’s needs and strengths, ensuring that planning takes into account his or her interests, preferences, and desires for the future.

Youth Transitioning to Adulthood: How Holding Early Leadership Positions Can Make a Difference
Research links early leadership with increased self-efficacy and suggests that leadership can help youth to develop decision making and interpersonal skills that support successes in the workforce and adulthood. In addition, young leaders tend to be more involved in their communities, and have lower dropout rates than their peers. Youth leaders also show considerable benefits for their communities, providing valuable insight into the needs and interests of young people

How Trained Service Professionals and Self-Advocacy Makes a Difference for Youth with Mental Health, Substance Abuse, or Co-occurring Issues
Statistics reflecting the number of youth suffering from mental health, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders highlight the necessity for schools, families, support staff, and communities to work together to develop targeted, coordinated, and comprehensive transition plans for young people with a history of mental health needs and/or substance abuse.

Young Adults Formerly in Foster Care: Challenges and Solutions
Nearly 30,000 youth aged out of foster care in Fiscal Year 2009, which represents nine percent of the young people involved in the foster care system that year. This transition can be challenging for youth, especially youth who have grown up in the child welfare system.

Coordinating Systems to Support Transition Age Youth with Mental Health Needs
Research has demonstrated that as many as one in five children/youth have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Read about how coordination between public service agencies can improve treatment for these youth.

Civic Engagement Strategies for Transition Age Youth
Civic engagement has the potential to empower young adults, increase their self-determination, and give them the skills and self-confidence they need to enter the workforce. Read about one youth’s experience in AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).

## Main navigation

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### Announcements

Opportunity: Validate LGBTQ+ Supportive Practices

Resource: Voices Amplified

Resource: Federal Evidence Agenda on LGBTQI+ Equity

### Briefs

Recommended Actions to Improve the Health and Well-Being of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Communities

### Collaboration Profiles

Y2CONNECT.org

Providing Unbiased Services for LGBTQ Youth Project

### Data Sources

2011-2021 YRBS Data Summary and Trends Report

2011-2021 YRBS Data Summary and Trends Report

2011-2021 YRBS Data Summary and Trends Report

### Feature Articles

Just Launched! Redesigned YE4C

New Brief Highlights the Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth in Child Welfare Settings

June is LGBT Pride Month

### Publications

Sexual Risk Behavior Differences Among Sexual Minority High School Students — United States, 2015 and 2017

Report: Health-Related Behaviors among Students

The Economic Well-Being of LGB Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care

### Resources

Report: Recommendations of the LGBT Subcommittee: Advancing the Reform Process for LGBQ/GNCT Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

Resource: Helping Youth Prevent Suicide Among Their LGBTQ Peers

Resource: LGBTQ Youth: Voices of Trauma, Lives of Promise

### Youth Topics

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Suicide Prevention