Student Support Services

Because some LGBTQ youth are more likely than their heterosexual peers to experience bullying or other aggression in school, it is important that educators, counselors, and school administrators have access to resources and support to create a safe, healthy learning environment for all students. 

• Gender & Sexual Identity | Learning for Justice 
  Learn for Justice provides free educational resources—articles, guides, lessons, films, webinars, frameworks and more—help foster shared learning and reflection for educators, young people, caregivers and all community members. These resources can help educators shape inclusive policies and empower vulnerable students. 
• Advocates for Youth (AFY): LGBTQ Resources for Professionals 
  Lesson plans, tips and strategies, background information, and additional resources to help youth-serving professionals create safe space for young people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. 
• American Psychological Association (APA) Resources 
  • Healthy Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Students Project 
    The APA Safe and Supportive Schools Project promotes safe and supportive environments to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among adolescents. 
  • Just the Facts: A Primer for Principals, Educators, and School Personnel 
    Just the Facts provides information and resources for principals, educators and school personnel who confront sensitive issues involving gay, lesbian and bisexual students. 
  • Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity 
    Accurate information for those who want to better understand sexual orientation. 
• Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case That Made History: Teaching materials for educators 
  “Bullied” is a documentary film designed to help administrators, teachers and counselors create a safer school environment for all students, not just those who are gay and lesbian. 
• CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health: Protective Factors for LGBT Youth: Information for Health and Education Professionals
  Information summarizing key findings that can strengthen programs and research that support LGBT youth. 
• Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN): Educator Resources 
  GLSEN educator guides and lessons to support your curriculum and practices. 
• Genders and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) Network 
  GSA clubs are student-run organizations that unite LGBTQ+ and allied youth to build community and organize around issues impacting them in their schools and communities. 
• HIV and Youth
  Addressing HIV in youth requires that young people have access to information and tools they need to reduce their risk, make healthy decisions, and get treatment and care if they have HIV. 
• National Alliance to End Homelessness: Serving LGBT Homeless Youth 
  To end LGBTQ youth homelessness, youth and young adults need stable housing, supportive connections to caring adults, and access to mainstream services that will place them on a path to long-term success. 
• National Education Association: 6 Tips for Educators Dealing with Harassment of LGBT Students 
  From Stepping Out of the Closet, Into the Light: A Report on the Status of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People in Education 
• StopBullying.gov: Information for LGBTQ Youth 
  Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) youth and those perceived as LGBTQ are at an increased risk of being bullied. There are important and unique considerations for strategies to prevent and address bullying of LGBTQ youth. 
• The Trevor Project: Education and Resources for Adults 
  The Trevor Project’s “Trainings for Professionals” include in-person Ally and CARE training designed for adults who work with youth. These trainings help counselors, educators, administrators, school nurses, and social workers discuss LGBTQ-competent suicide prevention.