LGBTQ

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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: Are there any middle schools that have taken on the LGBTQ topic? Anyone have a club at this level or allow flags to be displayed on clothes, backpacks, lockers etc.?
    • A: We have a GSA for 7th and 8th grade students. We have reached out for support from GLSEN and their great resources. I have an ally flag hanging in my office and all of the counselors have a safe space rainbow sticker in their windows.
    • A: We don’t have a GSA (yet), but hope to get one in place. As 6th grade school counselor this year, I have had more students than in years past who identify within the LGBTQ community, some openly, some not. We also have a number of staff members who are gay and/or married.  We honor students’ preferred names and pronouns within the classroom setting and are currently debating the best approach for preferred names on student IDs. We are seeking ways to adapt to the needs of our trans students. School counselors and our social worker have ally posters and stickers posted in our offices or on our doors, as do some of our teachers.  While still a work in progress, we continue to learn and grow in our support of all students. We have seen a marked improvement in the mental health status of our students as a result because they know where the safe spaces and safe people are.
    • A: We just started a GSA club at our school that I’m facilitating, and we got support from Indiana Youth Group (IYG) to start it. Highly recommend!
  • 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.
  • 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

Register your Gay-Straight Alliance now and get support throughout the school year!

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

CONTACT TOPIC MANAGER

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This post was created by IJKL ContentManager on August 7, 2016.