LGBTQ – Counselor1Stop

BRIEF SUMMARY

Supporting students on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, as well as their allies, is critical in the role of the school counselor as often, these students are most at-risk of being marginalized (at home and/or school) and exhibiting symptoms of anxiety, depression, self-harm. They are also disproportionately at risk for completion of suicide. The follow resources can greatly help school counselors support students of this demographic.

KEY POINTS

Many resources exist to support LGBTQ+ students, families, and allies.
It is critical to utilize the ASCA Code of Ethics, position statements, and in following your school’s policies when supporting LGBTQ+ students, advocating for change as necessary

SHARED WISDOM

Q: Can you tell me what your school does in regards to students requesting we use chosen pronouns, in this case they/them? What are legal obligations? Violation of Title IX? I absolutely support it, but I’m trying to build a strong case to convince others.
- A: You may want to refer to these resources: https://www.glsen.org/activity/respect-all-policy-recommendations-support-lgbtq-students and https://www.tolerance.org/sites/default/files/2018-09/TT-LGBTQ-Best-Practices-Guide.pdf
Using the correct pronouns can make a huge difference for transgender students: https://news.utexas.edu/2018/03/30/name-use-matters-for-transgender-youths-mental-health
School counselors may very well be the only means of support for an LGBTQ+ student; any support, even a listening ear and acceptance, can be pivotal.
School counselors are in a unique and exciting position to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ students, families, and allies.
Registering your Gay-Straight Alliance:

GSA NETWORK

A new year means new opportunities to organize on campus and create change in your school! Register your GSA every year to make sure you get the most up-to-date resources, event registrations, and news!

Your club is working hard to create welcoming school environments, defend your student rights, and uplift the voices and experiences of trans and queer young people in your communities. We are committed to providing the support you need to thrive this year.

When you register your GSA this year, you will receive a resource packet that includes the 2018-2019 event calendar, GSA Advisor Handbook, and the Annual Resource (our most extensive set of resources chock full of workshops, tips, and campaign supports), and 10 #GSAs4Justice stickers to share with your club members.

We work with organizations across the country to connect GSAs like yours to the resources you need. To find your local GSA Network, check out our National Association of GSA Networks Directory.

RESOURCES

Indiana Youth Group – Indiana Youth Group (IYG) creates safe spaces, provides wellness programming, and educates LGBTQ youth and the community.
Trans Youth Handbook from Harvard Law School LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic
https://www.hrc.org/resources/schools-in-transition-a-guide-for-supporting-transgender-students-in-k-12-s One of the best resources available for transgender student support socially/emotionally, legally, academically from grades K-12.
https://www.glsen.org/– national support for LGBTQ+ youth, allies, and families, as well as guidance on starting a GSA (Gay-Straight or Gender and Sexuality Alliance) at your school.
- https://www.glsen.org/educate/resources/curriculum– resources for educators
- https://www.glsen.org/educate/resources/lesson-plans– lesson plans
- https://www.glsen.org/educate/professional-development/toolkits– professional development toolkits, including a Safe Space toolkit
http://www.indianagsanetwork.org/– Indiana Gender and Sexuality Alliance (state-level support)
https://www.glaad.org/– Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
https://www.pflag.org/
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/#sm.00ycdnjl1bvqdin10o72hngcv2a1v– The Trevor Project- support for LGBTQ+ youth considering suicide; talk and text lines
ASCA’s LGBTQ+ Position Statement: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/PositionStatements/PS_LGBTQ.pdf
ASCA’s Position Statement: Transgender and Non-Conforming Youth: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/PositionStatements/PS_Transgender.pdf
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/publications-a-z/2881-gender-expansive-students-at-higher-risk-for-suicidal-behavior
Communicating a Change in Gender Status
The Trevor Project (unique resources for LGBTQ youth on suicide prevention)
National Day of Silence (GLSEN)
Transgender Student Support (article)
https://transequality.org/know-your-rights/schools
The Safe Zone Project -a free online resource for powerful, effective LGBTQ awareness and ally training workshops. Includes curriculum
Supporting Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Diversity in K-12 Schools, Edited by Megan C. Lytle and Richard A. Sprott, 2020, ISBN: 978-1-4338-3295-6

CONTACT TOPIC MANAGER

This is a ‘do it ourselves’ web site. So if you would like to help, or have information or resources to share, please contact us today.

BRIEF SUMMARY

KEY POINTS

SHARED WISDOM

RESOURCES

CONTACT TOPIC MANAGER

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