# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome

We are glad you found us. The Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights (OCR) understands that many people, family members, friends, and health care providers are facing fear and concerns about efforts by some state and local governments to prevent people from accessing health care and human services on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Understanding Your Rights

Civil rights are personal rights guaranteed and protected by the U.S. Constitution and federal laws. Civil rights include protection from unlawful discrimination.

OCR is the law enforcement agency within HHS that is responsible for guaranteeing that people are free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin (including primary language), disability, age, religion, and sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity) by certain health care and human services. OCR also enforces a range of civil rights and health information privacy laws. For more information about these laws, see our Civil Rights page and our HIPAA page.
"The Supreme Court has made clear that people have a right not to be discriminated against on the basis of sex and receive equal treatment under the law, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. Fear of discrimination can lead individuals to forgo care, which can have serious negative health consequences. It is the position of the Department of Health and Human Services that everyone - including LGBTQ people - should be able to access health care, free from discrimination or interference, period." -- HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

OCR is responsible for enforcing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (Section 1557), which prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability in covered health programs or activities.

Section 1557's prohibitions of discrimination on the basis of sex to includes: (1) discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; and (2) discrimination on the basis of gender identity. The update was made in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Bostock v. Clayton County and subsequent court decisions.

OCR recognizes that discrimination in health care impacts health outcomes. Research shows that one quarter of LGBTQ people who faced discrimination postponed or avoided receiving needed medical care for fear of further discrimination. OCR's mission is to protect people from all forms of discrimination. OCR will follow Supreme Court precedent and federal law, and ensure that the law's protections extend to those individuals who are discriminated against based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

On June 15, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court held that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)'s prohibition on employment discrimination based on sex encompasses discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Bostock v. Clayton County, GA, 140 S. Ct. 1731 (2020). The Bostock majority concluded that the plain meaning of "because of sex" in Title VII necessarily included discrimination because of sexual orientation and gender identity. Id. at 1753-54. Consistent with the Supreme Court's decision in Bostock and Title IX, beginning today OCR will interpret Section 1557's prohibition on discrimination on the basis of sex to include: (1) discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; and (2) discrimination on the basis of gender identity. This interpretation will guide OCR in processing complaints and conducting investigations, but does not itself determine the outcome in any particular case or set of facts.

In enforcing Section 1557 as stated above, OCR will comply with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, 42 U.S.C. § 2000bb et seq., and all other legal requirements. Additionally, OCR will comply with all applicable court orders that have been issued in litigation involving the Section 1557 regulations, including Franciscan Alliance, Inc. v. Azar, 414 F. Supp. 3d 928 (N.D. Tex. 2019); Whitman-Walker Clinic, Inc. v. U.S. Dep't of Health & Hum. Servs., 485 F. Supp. 3d 1 (D.D.C. 2020); Asapansa-Johnson Walker v. Azar, No. 20-CV-2834, 2020 WL 6363970 (E.D.N.Y. Oct. 29, 2020); and Religious Sisters of Mercy v. Azar, No. 3:16-CV-00386, 2021 WL 191009 (D.N.D. Jan. 19, 2021).

OCR applies the enforcement mechanisms provided for and available under Title IX when enforcing Section 1557's prohibition on sex discrimination. 45 C.F.R. § 92.5(a). Title IX's enforcement procedures can be found at 45 C.F.R. § 86.71 (adopting the procedures at 45 C.F.R. §§ 80.6 through 80.11 and 45 C.F.R. Part 81).

Gender Affirming Care

HHS stands with transgender and gender nonconforming youth and their families-and the significant majority of expert medical associations-in unequivocally stating that gender affirming care for minors, when medically appropriate and necessary, improves their physical and mental health. Attempts to restrict, challenge, or falsely characterize this potentially lifesaving care as abuse is dangerous. Such attempts block parents from making critical health care decisions for their children, create a chilling effect on health care providers who are necessary to provide care for these youth, and ultimately negatively impact the health and well-being of transgender and gender nonconforming youth.

As a law enforcement agency, OCR is investigating and, where appropriate, enforcing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act cases involving discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in accordance with all applicable law. This means that if people believe they have been discriminated against in a health program or activity that receives financial assistance from HHS, they can file a complaint.

Parents or caregivers who believe their child has been denied health care, including gender affirming care, on the basis of that child's gender identity, may file a complaint with OCR.

Health care providers who believe that they are or have been unlawfully restricted from providing health care to a patient on the basis of that patient's gender identity may file a complaint with OCR.

HIPAA and Marriage: Understanding Spouse, Family Member, Marriage, and Personal Representatives in the Privacy Rule

The HIPAA Privacy Rule contains several provisions that recognize the integral role that family members, such as spouses, often play in a patient's health care. For example, the Privacy Rule allows covered entities to share information about the patient's care with family members in various circumstances. It also generally requires covered entities to treat an individual's personal representative, who may be a spouse, as the individual, for purposes such as exercising the individual's rights under the Privacy Rule, including the right to access the individual's health information. In addition, the Privacy Rule provides protections against the use of genetic information about an individual, which also includes certain information about family members of the individual, for underwriting purposes.

OCR has issued guidance that makes clear the terms marriage, spouse, and family member include, respectively, all lawful marriages, lawfully married spouses, and both the lawful spouses and the dependents of all lawful marriages, and clarifies certain rights of individuals under the Privacy Rule. You may find OCR's guidance on HIPAA and marriage here: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hipaa-and-marriage.pdf.

Resources for LGBTQI+ People

Below are United States Government resources that may be of interest to LGBTQI+ people and allies. Additional resources will be added as they are issued.
Resources from the Department of Health and Human Services

Learn about how HHS works to ensure that LGBTQI+ people, their families, and communities receive equal access to health services by providing enhanced resources for LGBTQI+ health issues; developing better information regarding LGBTQI+ health needs; and working to close the LGBTQI+ health disparities gap that currently exists.

Access to Healthcare: The Affordable Care Act is greatly improving access to health coverage for LGBTQ+ Americans.

LGBTQ Youth Resources | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health | CDC: Find resources from the CDC, other government agencies, and community organizations for LGBT Youth, their friends, educators, parents, and family members to support positive environments.

Read the LGBTQI+ Youth - Like All Americans, They Deserve Evidence-Based Care blog from Miriam E. Deplhin-Rittmon, PhD, SAMHSA's Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use.

Learn about gender-affirming care and how it improves the mental health and overall well-being of gender diverse youth (OASH's Office of Population Affairs).

Representation matters! Meet Admiral Rachel L. Levine, MD, Assistant Secretary for Health, where she fights every day to improve the health and well-being of all Americans. She's working to help our nation overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and build a stronger foundation for a healthier future - one in which every American can attain their full health potential. ADM Levine also is the head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, one of the eight uniformed services.

Read the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program letter about the importance of gender-affirming care to effectively meet the health and medical needs of transgender people with HIV (HRSA's HIV/AIDS Bureau).

Find technical assistance and trainings on how to build inclusive and supportive health care spaces for LGBTQI+ individuals and families (HRSA).

Create a Safe Environment for LGBTQI+ Youth from StopBullying.gov provides resources on how to build a safe environment for all LGBTQI+ youth. Parents, schools, and communities can all play a role in preventing bullying and helping LGBTQI+ youth feel physically and emotionally safe.

Find mental health and behavioral health resources for the LGBTQI+ community.

The Indian Health Service (IHS) works to ensure that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ-2S) American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals and their families receive equal access to health services in the communities where they live.

Learn about research opportunities at the National Institutes of Health's Sexual & Gender Minority Research Office (SGMRO), which coordinates sexual and gender minority (SGM)-related research and activities by working directly with the NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices.

Resources from the White House

FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Advances Equality for Transgender Americans (March 31, 2022)

White House Toolkit on Transgender Equality (June 30, 2021)

Executive Order 13988 on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation (Jan. 21, 2021)

Executive Order 14021 on Guaranteeing an Educational Environment Free From Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Including Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity (March 11, 2021)

Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons Around the World (February 4, 2021)

FACT SHEET: U.S. Agencies Are Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World (April 28, 2022)

Resources from the Department of Justice

Resources from the Department of Education

Resources from the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (IWGYP)

If You Are, or You Know Someone Who is, in Crisis

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line ( text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend's social media updates. Dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline's website or the Crisis Text Line's website.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Protecting the Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) People

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Protecting the Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) People

# data[].attributes.headline
We offer free consultations and a number of LGBTQIA+ and related resources at the Parent Resource Center.  We are happy to serve all members of our community.

# data[].attributes.subject
We offer free consultations and a number of LGBTQIA+ and related resources at the Parent Resource Center.  We are happy to serve all members of our community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome

Our office hours are from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. We encourage families and staff to make an appointment for consultations, especially when requiring an interpreter.

We offer free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities.

FCPS Family Resource Center
2334 Gallows Road, Room 105 (Door 1)
Dunn Loring, VA 22027
CALL: 703-204-3941
TEXT: 571-496-8210
[email protected]

Look What's New at the Family Resource Center

The FRC created the following guides for FCPS families, schools, and the community. The guides can be viewed online or printed by just clicking on the guide you wish to view.

Free Webinars and Consultations

This site requires JavaScript to be enabled in order to run.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. The center was formerly named the Parent Resource Center.

# data[].attributes.headline
Highlight of some of our books to support your LGBTQIA+ kids and families

# data[].attributes.subject
Highlight of some of our books to support your LGBTQIA+ kids and families

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Madrone, Kelly, 1974-, author.LGBTQ : the survival guide for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning teens

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
All of our support volunteers identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ family, and are here to serve the entire community, by providing free & confidential peer-support, information, and local resources through national hotlines and online programs.

Hotline Hours:
Mon-Fri:
1 PM - 9 PM/pacific time
4 PM - Midnight/eastern time

Sat:
9 AM - 2 PM/pacific time
Noon - 5 PM/eastern time

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Contact our hotlines or chatrooms, designed for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and receive help regarding questions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.

# data[].attributes.headline
Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBTQ Teens

# data[].attributes.subject
Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBTQ Teens

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
"Coming out" is a lifelong journey of understanding, acknowledging and sharing one's gender identity and/or sexual orientation with others. It may be quick and easy for some, or longer and more difficult for others.

It is important for parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) teens to remember each child is unique and will have their own experiences and feelings along the way.

"I feel different from other kids..."

Feelings of being "different" emerge throughout childhood, although it may not be clear to the child what the feelings means. Children may begin exploring gender and relationships before kindergarten, so "coming out" and sharing these feelings of being different with others may happen at any time. For many kids, gender identity becomes clear around puberty as they develop gender characteristics and stronger romantic attractions. However, many LGBTQ teens have said, in retrospect, that they began to sense something "different" about themselves early in life, and for gender diverse youth, sometimes as far back as preschool. See Gender Diverse & Transgender Children.

It is common for LGBTQ teens to feel scared or nervous during this stage. Some can start to feel isolated from their peers, especially if they feel that they don't fit in or are given a hard time for being different. Just remember that children who feel loved and accepted for who they are have a much easier time.

Parents and families can:

Play an important role advocating for safe spaces where their child can explore interests without judgment or stereotypes.

Support diverse friendships and social involvement without focusing on expectations around gender.

Provide exposure to people working and enjoying activities outside of conventional gender expectations.

Engage in conversations and check regularly with your children about their interests, friend groups, romantic attractions, and any bullying or teasing that may be taking place.

"I think I might be gay (or lesbian, bi, or trans), but I'm not sure, and I don't know how I feel about that..."

Beyond just feeling "different," young people begin to wonder if they might be "gay" (or lesbian, bi or trans) or some other label they may prefer. Many teens have mixed feelings when they first try on a new way of identifying. It can be a mix of excitement, relief, and worry.

Many children may try to suppress these feelings to meet societal expectations, to fit in, or even to avoid upsetting their parents or families. In some cases, teens might be overwhelmed by all these feelings, which increases the risk for depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. For example, they may isolate themselves from others for fear of being exposed, or "outed." Some teens may feel very alone, especially if they live in a community that doesn't have an active LGBTQ-youth support system. Having a supportive and helpful environment at home and good relationships with friends and will help teens to manage their feelings and deal with any discrimination they may face.

"I accept that I'm gay, but what will my family and friends say?"

Teens may accept that they are LGBTQ but not yet ready to start sharing this information with anyone yet. Some will feel comfortable being open about their identity, while other teens may not tell anyone for a long time. Teens may look for clues on how you feel about their gender identity and sexual orientation. Speaking positively about LGBTQ celebrities or current events you will let them know you are supportive of their identity.

Society has become more open and accepting of LGBTQ individuals, and young people are beginning to come out at earlier ages than they did a generation ago. Children may first come out to online communities or peers they perceive as safe and accepting before telling their family.

It is important for parents and children to realize that acceptance is a process that involves the entire family. Just as it takes time and support for LGBTQ children to understand and accept their identity, this is also true for parents.

"I've told most of my family and friends that I'm gay (or lesbian, bi, or trans)."

Teens feel secure enough in who they are and share that information with loved ones. It takes courage and strength for a young person to share who they are inside, especially for teens who are unsure of how their families will respond. They may be afraid of disappointing or angering their families, or in some instances may fear being physically harmed or thrown out of their homes. Again, parents usually need time to deal with the news. While it may take them days, weeks or many months to come to terms with their child's sexuality or gender identity, it is important for parents to show love and support for their child, even if they don't fully understand everything.

Coming out to others can be a liberating experience, especially for those teens who are embraced by their communities and families. LGBTQ teens may feel free to speak openly about their feelings and possibly romantic relationships for the first time. For transgender and gender diverse teens, they may finally feel free to begin expressing themselves genuinely as the gender they feel inside.

Parents and families can:

When your child discloses their identity to you, respond in an affirming, supportive way. Understand that although gender identity is not able to be changed, it often is revealed over time as people discover more about themselves.

Accept and love your child as they are. Try to understand what they are feeling and experiencing. Even if there are disagreements, they will need your support and validation to develop into healthy teens and adults.

Stand up for your child when they are mistreated. Do not minimize the social pressure or bullying your child may be facing. See How You Can Help Your Child Avoid & Address Bullying.

Make it clear that slurs or jokes based on gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation are not tolerated. Express your disapproval of these types of jokes or slurs when you encounter them in the community or media.

Be on the look out for danger signs that may indicate a need for mental health support such as anxiety, insecurity, depression, low self-esteem, and any emotional problems in your child and others who may not have a source of support otherwise.

Connect your child with LGBTQ organizations, resources, and events. It is important for them to know they are not alone.

Celebrate diversity in all forms. Provide access to a variety of books, movies, and materials-including those that positively represent gender diverse individuals. Point out LGBTQ celebrities and role models who stand up for the LGBTQ community, and people in general who demonstrate bravery in the face of social stigma.

Support your child's self-expression. Engage in conversations with them around their choices of clothing, jewelry, hairstyle, friends, and room decorations.

Reach out for education, resources, and support if you feel the need to deepen your own understanding of LGBTQ youth experiences. See Support Resources for Families of Gender Diverse Youth.

Remember...

Even if you are having trouble understanding your child's identity or feelings, not withdrawing from your role as a parent is probably one of the most important ways to help a child continue to feel a sense of being cared for and accepted. Feeling loved has been shown to be critical to overall health and development of all children regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Many parents do need their own supports to help them understand and cope with their own difficult emotions and concerns during a child's "coming out."

More information

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBTQ Teens

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"Coming out" is a lifelong journey of understanding, acknowledging and sharing one's gender identity and/or sexual orientation with others. It may be quick and easy for some, or longer and more difficult for others. It is important for parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) teens to remember each child is unique and will have their own experiences and feelings along the way.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all students and to providing equal access to educational programs, services, and activities. We appreciate the many contributions made by LGBTQIA+ members of the school community, which includes people from all walks of life who should be able to live without fear of prejudice, discrimination, harassment, or violence.

Fairfax County School Board Policy 1450 protects students, educators, and other staff from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

In accordance with School Board policy and Virginia law, Regulation 2603 provides gender-expansive and transgender students with an equitable, safe, and supportive school environment.

Chesterbrook Elementary School staff members celebrate Pride Month.

Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Students and Staff

The Fairfax County School Board celebrates our LGBTQIA+ school community with the following resolutions:

Fairfax County School Board Celebrates June as Pride Month (June 17, 2021) Read the resolution.

Fairfax County School Board Recognizes LGBT History Month (October 9, 2020) View details.

Support for Gender-Expansive and Transgender Students

All students have a right to privacy in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) facilities or while participating in FCPS sponsored events. Any student who has a need or desire for increased privacy, regardless of the underlying reason, shall be provided with reasonable, non-stigmatizing accommodations.

Students shall not disclose private information about another student's reason for seeking privacy. Additionally, school personnel should not disclose information about a student's gender-expansive or transgender status, legal name, or sex assigned at birth, including to other school personnel who do not have a need to know, unless the student has authorized such disclosure, or unless legally required.

In accordance with School Board policy and Virginia law, Regulation 2603 provides gender-expansive and transgender students with an equitable, safe, and supportive school environment. The regulation:

Ensures students are called by their chosen name and pronouns, regardless of the name and gender recorded in their permanent pupil record.

Ensures the right to privacy for all students and provides non-stigmatizing accommodations for any students who need or desire increased privacy.

Ensures students can use the locker room or restroom that aligns with their gender identity and forbids forcing them to use only a private area, single-occupancy accommodation, or other single-use facility.

Gives gender-expansive and/or transgender students access to a support team that will develop a student-specific support plan for safe and equitable access to all school and school division facilities and activities.

Gives school teams the ability to offer staff training on gender diversity to better support gender-expansive or transgender students.

Asks counselors, administrators, or other school personnel to work with students and/or the student's parents/guardians to determine how to inform teachers, coaches, and other school personnel about their gender identity and/or transition.

Acknowledges participation in Virginia High School League (VHSL) programs are governed by VHSL policies while school-sponsored activities will allow participation according to the student's gender identity.

Indicates internally generated and shared school lists of students (e.g., honor roll, graduation programs, yearbooks, school newspapers) will identify students by their chosen names and genders/pronouns.

For additional information about protections and supports for gender-expansive and transgender students, consult Regulation 2603 or contact your school counselor, psychologist, social worker, or the FCPS Ombudsman. Parents/guardians can also contact the FCPS Parent Resource Center.

School-Based Clubs and Support

Many FCPS middle and high schools have LGBTQIA+, Safe Spaces, or Gender/Sexuality Alliance (GSAs) clubs. Contact your director of student activities or your counselor to get support or for information about joining or starting a club.

Additional Resources for Students and Parents/Guardians

Contact your school counselor, psychologist, social worker, or the FCPS Ombudsman if you have questions, need assistance, or to find out how to get support. Parents/guardians can also contact the FCPS Parent Resource Center.

Additional Resources for Educators and Other Staff

Contact your school principal or the FCPS Ombudsman if you have questions, need assistance, or to find out how to get support.

FCPS Related Policies, Regulations & Resources

Community-Based Organizations

There are many community-based organizations that support LGBTQIA+ students and their families. The following is a partial list -- these organizations are not affiliated with Fairfax County Public Schools:

FCPS Pride: Support for FCPS employees who are LGBTQIA+. Phone 202-295-7939, email president@fcpspride.org.

GLSEN Northern Virginia: Works to ensure that LGBTQIA+ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Phone 571-208-2424, email northernva@chapters.glsen.org

PFLAG Metro DC: Supports parents/guardians, families, and friends of LGBTQIA+ persons. Phone 202-638-3852, email info@pflagdc.org. PFLAG Fairfax wf.pflag@gmail.com.

Transgender Education Association of Greater Washington: Supports transgender students and parents/guardians. Email tgeagw@gmail.com.

NoVA Pride: Cultivates and grows a coalition to educate, advocate and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community of Northern Virginia. Phone 703-506-2893, email info@novapride.org.

Safe Space NoVA: Provides a safe, accepting, and supportive environment to combat social stigmas, bullying, and other challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth. Phone 703-419-5270, email info@safespacenova.org.

Casa BruMar: Bridges the gap that leaves the LGBTQIA+ community behind when it comes to equity in education, social services, and human dignity in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Email secretary@casabrumarfoundation.org.

SMYAL: Creates leadership development opportunities, after-school programs, and counseling services designed to empower LGBTQIA+ youth in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Phone 202-546-5940, email supporterinfo@smyal.org.

Equality Virginia: Educates, empowers, and mobilizes to ensure all LGBTQIA+ Virginians are free to live, love, learn, and work.

Trevor Project: Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ young people.

Gay Straight Alliance Network: Empowers and LGBTQIA+ youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities.

Welcoming Schools: Comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention program that provides LGBTQIA+ and gender inclusive professional development training, lesson plans, booklists and resources specifically designed for educators.

Point Foundation: Empowers promising LGBTQIA+ students with scholarship opportunities to achieve their full academic and leadership potential to make a significant impact on society.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all students and to providing equal access to educational programs, services, and activities. We appreciate the many contributions made by LGBTQIA+ members of the school community, which includes people from all walks of life who should be able to live without fear of prejudice, discrimination, harassment, or violence.

# data[].attributes.headline
A general workshop to help support your goal of improving communication with your kids

# data[].attributes.subject
A general workshop to help support your goal of improving communication with your kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Get your Child or Adolescent to Open Up to You - a webinar with Rachel Bailey

# data[].attributes.headline
A general workshop to help guide your conversations with your teens 

# data[].attributes.subject
A general workshop to help guide your conversations with your teens 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Calm Conversations with Teens with Corinne Coppola

# data[].attributes.headline
This Resource Guide is compiled by FCPS staff to support our students and their families.  Meeting dates, times, and locations may change over time so please check with the points of contact for the most up to date information.

# data[].attributes.subject
This Resource Guide is compiled by FCPS staff to support our students and their families.  Meeting dates, times, and locations may change over time so please check with the points of contact for the most up to date information.

# data[].attributes.headline
Resources to understand the significance of LGBTQ history

# data[].attributes.subject
Resources to understand the significance of LGBTQ history

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Students learn about two millennia of LGBTQ history and reflect on how that history is represented in their textbooks and curricula.

Democracy & Civic Engagement

Using the strategies from Facing History is almost like an awakening.

- Claudia Bautista, Santa Monica, Calif

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Students learn about two millennia of LGBTQ history and reflect on how that history is represented in their textbooks and curricula. Democracy & Civic Engagement Using the strategies from Facing History is almost like an awakening. - Claudia Bautista, Santa Monica, Calif

# data[].attributes.headline
Guidance for talking to your kids about gender and sexual orientation 

# data[].attributes.subject
Guidance for talking to your kids about gender and sexual orientation 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
June is Pride Month, and seeing the various LGBTQ celebrations on the news and in the community may be the perfect opportunity for you to begin conversations about sexual identity with your children. But you shouldn't limit your conversation to one month; look for opportunities throughout the year to discuss gender and identity issues with your kids. It could be a story on the news, questions from your child or an experience in your community. Use your child's questions as teachable moments to expand both your child's understanding and your own.

Starting a conversation with your kids about gender identity doesn't have to be one big TALK. In fact, it's better for kids - and parents - to have multiple conversations about gender identity throughout childhood, into adolescence and early adulthood.

First, educate yourself

If you are not sure about the origins of the Pride Parade or other events, educate yourself. Look up the Stonewall riots of 1969, learn why people were protesting and how, over the years, the protests have shifted into events that celebrate diversity and a continued push for equal rights. Learning about the whole spectrum of gender identities - gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and queer - can help you answer questions from your kids.

Start the conversation

Once you have a basic understanding of the spectrum of LGBTQ identities, you can start the conversation with your kids. A few places to start may be while eating dinner together, watching the news, or when something related comes up in conversation. Your child may tell you a story about a classmate or a topic they are discussing in school, for example.

Ask your child open-ended questions to better understand what they know, think and feel. Let their responses guide your discussion. Talk positively about all the diversity that exists in our world - race, ethnicity, gender expression, sexual orientation - and that all these identities make us unique and wonderful people.

Lean in

Remind your kids that you'll love them forever - even if you don't know exactly who they'll be in the future. Make your home (or a specific room) a safe zone so kids know they can come talk to you about anything, ask questions, discuss feelings and more - and that you will not reject or make fun of them. If verbal communication is challenging, try creating a journal for the two of you to share.

One of the biggest fears we hear from youth is that their parents and important adults in their lives will stop loving them because they are "different." Kids are very sensitive to a lack of support - wherever it comes from. As parents, we can be a buffer to negative talk and prevent long-term negative health outcomes.

The Family Acceptance Project in California has researched the impact of family support on gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer children, teens and adults. One startling statistic is the rate of suicide attempts for LGBTQ youth who receive rejection from their families.

Youth who experienced highly rejecting behaviors from their family were eight times more likely to attempt suicide than those who experienced love and acceptance from their parents and caregivers. Even a small bit of change can make a tremendous difference in the mental health of our youth. For youth who experienced moderate rejection (some negativity, but also some positive support), the research group found those LGBTQ youth were only twice as likely to attempt suicide.

We can help our kids by making sure we are creating moments of inclusion in our families and social networks. Our kids are listening and absorbing what we do, say or not say when a gay joke is told in our presence, a transgender person is misidentified, or a person is belittled because of who they are or how they dress. We might not always know how a person identifies or what our child is going through, but creating environments where we prioritize tolerance and kindness is a great way to build a stronger foundation of trust and acceptance in your family.

Encourage acceptance

Gender roles and stereotypes begin early, and as parents, we often perpetuate them unwittingly. Baby girls are often given pink dresses and dolls; baby boys are usually given blue overalls and trucks. Often, we don't even think about it.

To better help our kids, we can encourage them at a young age to pursue their own interests - whether it be dolls or trucks, puzzles or games - and choose their own "play" clothes. The more children feel empowered to make their own choices, the more likely they will come to you later if they have questions.

As parents, you can role-model acceptance of people's differences by what you do and say - and what you don't do or say. For example, when someone makes a comment about a person's looks or sexuality, do you just laugh it off or do you say it was inappropriate? Does your answer depend on who you are with? Your kids are also dealing with these sensitive issues. Ask them what they would do or say if they were being teased. What if they witnessed a friend getting teased, or a classmate they don't know very well? It's human nature to have a range of feelings depending on how closely a situation impacts us. We can teach our kids to be compassionate, when it's appropriate to get involved, and when to ask an adult for help.

Conversations about gender and sexuality change over time, which is why this talk cannot be done only once. A conversation with a 5-year-old will be very different than that with a 15-year-old. Luckily, there are helpful resources (some listed below) to assist parents in how to navigate developmentally appropriate conversations with your children.

By building a foundation of love and acceptance with your child early in their lives, you will help them gain a strong and positive sense-of-self. Through teaching and modeling acceptance for LGBTQ identities, you also help your child become a positive agent for change in our world.
Samantha King (pronouns she/her/hers) is a Family Support and Education Specialist in the Gender & Sexuality Development Clinic at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Resources

Subscribe to Health Tip of the Week e-newsletter

For more advice that will help you keep your child healthy, happy and safe, subscribe to our Health Tip of the Week e-newsletter.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Talking to Kids about Gender and Sexual Orientation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
June is Pride Month, and seeing the various LGBTQ celebrations on the news and in the community may be the perfect opportunity for you to begin conversations about sexual identity with your children. But you shouldn't limit your conversation to one month; look for opportunities throughout the year to discuss gender and identity issues with your kids.

# data[].attributes.headline
Guidance for talking to your kids about sex and gender

# data[].attributes.subject
Guidance for talking to your kids about sex and gender

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As parents, a lot of us have our fingers crossed. We hope our kids won't have sex until they are grown. And that they will land on the easiest and least controversial path possible. It is a reasonable wish, but can't be turned into a parenting goal without shutting down all relevant communication on the topics with our kids.

Sex/Sexuality

We may hope our kids don't have sexual contact or sexual relationships until they are old enough to choose wisely, safely and responsibly. But they probably will. Statistically speaking. And even if they don't have sex or sexual contact, they are having lots of conversations about sex and have been for years. We absolutely want to be one of the people with whom they are having those conversations.

They need us to teach them how to keep safe from rape, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Not with a standard lecture that causes their eyes to glaze over, but with an interactive discussion based on the details of the party they are telling us about; where people were drinking, some people were making out in private rooms, and how they were worried about one of their friends but didn't want to interrupt their friends "date." THIS is the conversation we want to make sure we are available for. THIS is the conversation where we can help them think about how to keep themselves and their friends safe. THIS is the conversation we get cut out of if we have a "no tolerance" approach to sex (or to drugs and alcohol).

And this is only one of the many conversations we want in on that relate to sex and sexual relationships. We want to be one of the people they are talking to about whether or not to date this person or that person, or anyone at all. " Peer pressure" doesn't look like their friends telling them what to do; it looks like the craving to fit in and be seen favorably, and dating impacts image. In the details related to who kissed who and for how long, and who started to feel who up, there are rich conversations about how to negotiate what we want in a relationship, and what our partner wants.

We want to help them think about which of their friends are being called "sluts" or "players," shamed for being virgins, or embarrassed that they aren't dating. We want to help them think about how crazy new love can make them feel, how out of control and destabilizing hormones can be, and how much relationships can hurt our other friendships if we don't protect them.

There are hundreds of conversations about the nuances of building friendships and romantic relationships, and having sex and sexual relationships, that are key to our children's' development into healthy stable adults with successful love and communal life. We are reduced to unheard lectures about these topics if we can't tolerate hearing about what they and their friends are doing.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

The reason we want to know any thoughts or questions our kids have about sexual orientation and gender identity is because of the rates of suicide among young people who fear familial rejection. Regardless of whatever hopes and dreams, fears and worries, we may have about issues of orientation and identity, regardless of our political and societal views of these issues, most of us would do whatever we can to reduce our children's' risk for suicide.

Between the ages of 10 to 24, suicide is the 2nd most common cause of death at 17% of all deaths

Young people who are or who are questioning sexual orientation or gender identity are 4 times more likely to commit suicide.

Young people who are or who are questioning sexual orientation or gender identity are 8 times more likely to attempt suicide if they come from rejecting families, as compared to kids who report low to no parental rejection regarding their orientation or gender identity.

Bottom line: whatever fears or concerns you might have as a parent about your kid being gay, lesbian, trans or differently gendered, if you want them to make it into adulthood, they need your help.

So, hopefully you are convinced that you want in on all these conversations. Here are 6 openings.

First, practice your best teenage nonchalance cool. Casual, while you are chopping vegetables, or waxing the car, with minimal eye contact. All jokes aside, you are giving them space to figure out what to answer, how to answer, how to read you, to assess what you can handle hearing.

1. Use the openings they provide. When they tell you one of their friends has a crush on someone, ask them what a crush means. When they say someone has a boyfriend or girlfriend, ask them what that means; ask them what boyfriends and girlfriends do together, where they go together, how they spend time together. When they tell you about how people were hooking up at a party they went to, ask what hooking up means, who people do it with, where they do it, if they have ever done it, or have anyone they want to do it with. Be curious, be casual. This is where you get the info. It is not necessarily when you insert little thoughts, teachings, comments. But your non-judgmental, casual, conversational style will help you gather data about their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings about sex and romantic relationships.

2. Ask questions about their friends and their friends families. "Any kids at your school come out?" "Is there a Gay and Lesbian Alliance group at your school?" "Do you know any trans kids?" "Do you think Mrs. So and So is lesbian?" "How many folks at your school do you think are having sex"? "Do any of your friends have gay or lesbian parents?" "What do you think your friends would do if one of you got pregnant?" "Do any of your friends have trans people in their families?" "How does the school talk about these issues?" "Do you and your friends talk about how to have each other's backs at parties, as pertaining to rape?" "What do you and your friends think when you talk about these issues?" Be prepared to defend your asking the questions, casually, with non-judgmental statement like "just asking," "what is the big deal?" or "I mean, statistically some of your friends must be ....fill in the blank!"

3. Use current events. Ask what they think about Caitlyn Jenner, or all the hoopla going on in North Carolina. Ask how their favorite TV shows deal with issues around orientation and gender identity. Or about a recent teen suicide or gay/trans bashing. Feel free to share your own feelings...as long as the last thing you say is something like "in the end all that matters is people figuring out what makes them happy," and even better, to say clearly and directly, "you know that if you ever had questions about orientation or gender, we love you no matter what."

4. Use your own experiences. Try to remember the kind of relationship you had hoped to have with your kids before you had them; the closeness you had hoped for. All the ways you were going to be different from your own parents; how much more real you were going to be. Don't cop out now. Tell them if you ever had any same sex experience, questions, or your own thoughts about gender. Tell them if you had sex before marriage or got pregnant unintentionally. Tell them how differently the world (and your parents) thought about these things and what your journey has been like to find a place where you would love your kids no matter how they expressed their gender, orientation or their sexuality.

5. Pay attention to your language and what you are saying. When you are asking your kids if they have a crush on someone, don't use a gender..."Anyone you are interested in?" Or better yet, try two genders. "Any boy or girl you have a crush on these days?" Same thing when you talk about the future: "Someday you are going to meet someone and..." or "someday you are going to meet and man or a woman and..." If they are questioning their gender or orientation, they are listening to you define exactly what you expect of them. We have tons of ways we tell our children who we expect from them. "When you get married..." "When you go to college..." "When you have kids..." "When you own a home..." Let's stop that.

6. Directly say it. Say it. Tell your kids you love them. Tell your kids that even if you hate what they need to tell you, even if it scares you, confuses you, or isn't what you want for them, that you will love them, support them and help them build a full and content life.

I wish I had some pithy quote here about how are kids aren't ours, but just ours to love, or how the universe isn't as we would design it. Ultimately what I know is all of us who love our children hope that we can be there for them in hard, confusing or painful times, but that to do that, we must let them know we will lovingly receive even hard realities.

is the founder/director of Full Living: A Psychotherapy Practice, which offers clinical services with seasoned, cultural competent clinicians throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas.
Clink on these links for other posts that might interest you: Want to Raise a Diversity Savvy Kid? 3 Traps, 2 Solutions Anger Matters

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
6 Openings for Talking to Kids About Sex and Gender

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As parents, a lot of us have our fingers crossed. We hope our kids won't have sex until they are grown. And that they will land on the easiest and least controversial path possible. It is a reasonable wish, but can't be turned into a parenting goal without shutting down all relevant communication on the topics with our kids.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Wanda Sykes Takes Us Through the History of LGBTQ+ — Now You Know

# data[].attributes.headline
A video on the history of LGBTQ psychology

# data[].attributes.subject
A video on the history of LGBTQ psychology

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The history of LGBTQ psychology from Stonewall to now, with Peter Hegarty, PhD

# data[].attributes.headline
Guidance for talking to young kids about LGBTQ+ rights with kids and Pride month 

# data[].attributes.subject
Guidance for talking to young kids about LGBTQ+ rights with kids and Pride month 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Any time is a good time to talk to kids about what it means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ), but June is an especially important opportunity to get the conversation started. June is Pride month, which commemorates the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion and aims to increase awareness of LGBTQ+ history, identity and community.

With rainbow Pride flags flying and virtual events taking place all over the country, it's likely kids will be curious about the history and significance of this important time. As a parent, you might not know how to answer all of their questions or how to break the information down in a kid-friendly way, but it's important to talk openly about LGBTQ+ experiences and identity.

We asked two experts for their best tips on how to open these conversations, what to share and how to help kids understand the important role they can play in supporting equal rights for all.

1. Know the facts

Before you can talk to kids about Pride, you'll want to understand it yourself. Pride events are held in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, which began June 28, 1969. At the time, police raids on LGBTQ+-friendly bars and other spaces were common, but patrons at the Stonewall Inn fought back with a multi-day protest that lasted until July 3, 1969.

Prominent figures in the rebellion included Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, two transgender activists whose enormous contributions to LGBTQ+ activism will be commemorated with an upcoming monument in New York City. During Pride month, parades and marches take place all over the country to celebrate and elevate the history of the LGBTQ+ social movement.

For a kid-friendly history of the uprising at Stonewall, it might be helpful to read a book together, like Rob Sanders' " Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution."

Image via Penguin Random House

2. Be the one to start the conversation

Parents may think kids don't have questions about Pride or the LGBTQ+ community simply because they haven't asked, but that isn't necessarily true. "Kids might not bring things up themselves, but they might notice and be curious about what they see out in the world," says J. Parker Morris, a therapist who specializes in youth, family and couples counseling and LGBTQ+ health at the Institute for Human Identity in New York City.

Rather than waiting for them to come to you, Morris says to use the things you see and experience out in the world to bring up the topic naturally. For example, if there are rainbow flags everywhere, ask kids if they know why those are there. That gives you an easy "in" to talk about what Pride is and why it exists and to normalize these types of conversations for the future.

3. Keep it simple

It's important to go into these conversations knowing the facts, but you don't have to give your kids every single detail of LGBTQ+ history and the Stonewall Rebellion in order for them to understand the significance of Pride.

Lindsay Amer, an LGBTQ+ activist and the creator of Queer Kid Stuff, a popular YouTube channel that offers informative videos about LGBTQ+ identity and history specially tailored to young kids, tells Care.com parents should strip away their own experiences and baggage and share information in a way kids can identify and empathize with.

"The way that I tell the story around Stonewall is like, 'Marsha and Sylvia went out one night wanting to go dancing with their friends,'" Amer says. "And then, someone like a police officer knocked on the door and told them they couldn't dance. How would you feel if someone came in and told you, you couldn't dance with your friend just because of who you are?'"

"The way that I tell the story around Stonewall is like, 'Marsha and Sylvia went out one night wanting to go dancing with their friends. And then, someone like a police officer knocked on the door and told them they couldn't dance. How would you feel if someone came in and told you, you couldn't dance with your friend just because of who you are?'"
- Lindsay Amer, LGBTQ+ activist and creator of Queer Kid Stuff

This approach works because it makes the story more personal. "So, it's not just a historical moment. It becomes a moment that feels very real to them in their day-to-day lives," Amer adds. "And then, talk about how it was a riot, it was something that they fought for and had to be proactive about. You don't necessarily need to go into the violence around it, but really instilling the kind of emotions behind what was happening is what's important. It's not about scaring kids or showing them negativity. It's about empowering them to make change."

4. Be positive and affirming

Some parts of LGBTQ+ history are painful and difficult. People have faced discrimination and outright hatred, and unfortunately, those problems still persist. As a parent, it can be hard to explain to kids why someone might discriminate against people just for being who they are. Both Amer and Morris recommend educating kids from a place of positivity and acceptance.

"I frame things in a positive light by talking about the LGBTQ+ community in the framework of resilience," says Morris. "Despite constant setbacks, LGBTQ+ people have always worked hard to fight discrimination, be brave and be true to ourselves."

"I frame things in a positive light by talking about the LGBTQ+ community in the framework of resilience. Despite constant setbacks, LGBTQ+ people have always worked hard to fight discrimination, be brave and be true to ourselves."
- J. Parker Morris, therapist

It's also important to make activism and solutions a part of the conversation. "When you're talking about the hard parts, you want to be transparent like, 'OK, [LGBTQ+] is an awesome thing to be, but just so you know, people who identify in this way haven't always been treated fairly,'" Amer says. "Kids really understand the idea of fairness. It's something that's very intrinsic to how they go about their lives day to day. And that also makes it a more active discussion. If something is unfair, we want to make it fair, right? So, you're not concentrating on the act that is unfair but concentrating on how we can fix it."

5. Bring in reinforcements

There are so many excellent resources online to help parents talk about Pride and LGBTQ+ identity with kids. Amer's YouTube channel, Queer Kid Stuff, has four seasons of episodes on topics ranging from race and gender identity to how to be a good ally. Amer also books performances and workshops around identity and activism and recently launched Queer Kid Community for parents, educators, and progressive grown-ups.

Additional resources recommended by Amer and Morris include:

6. Keep the conversation going

Talking about Pride or about LGBTQ+ issues and identity isn't a one-time conversation. Morris tells Care.com these conversations should be ongoing, and they should be a part of the usual way you inform and educate your kids.

"The thing that I suggest is generally making LGBTQ+-friendly topics part of the family value structure," Morris says. "Make an environment that normalizes the existence of queer people, whether that's watching TV shows that have LGBTQ+ characters or having books that also show LGBTQ+ family structures. That way it's not a conversation that has to be brought up so much as it is a series of conversations that don't emphasize or avoid the existence of LGBTQ+ people."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
6 tips for talking about Pride month and LGBTQ+ rights with kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Any time is a good time to talk to kids about what it means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ), but June is an especially important opportunity to get the conversation started. June is Pride month, which commemorates the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion and aims to increase awareness of LGBTQ+ history, Read more...

# data[].attributes.headline
Parent Guide from GLSEN - Guide to Combating LGBTQ+ Discrimination

# data[].attributes.subject
Parent Guide from GLSEN - Guide to Combating LGBTQ+ Discrimination

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parent Guide from GLSEN - Guide to Combating LGBTQ+ Discrimination

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A member of Inova Medical Group

Close description about Inova Medical Group members The doctors of Inova Medical Group are Inova's premier primary care and specialty physicians, offering top-notch medical expertise, full access to Inova facilities, and the convenience of integrated electronic medical records.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A member of Inova Medical Group Close description about Inova Medical Group members The doctors of Inova Medical Group are Inova's premier primary care and specialty physicians, offering top-notch medical expertise, full access to Inova facilities, and the convenience of integrated electronic medical records.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Some children have a gender identity that is different from their gender assigned at birth, and many have interests and hobbies that may align with the other gender.

Some children, as our policy statement explains, do not identify with either gender. They may feel like they are somewhere in between or have no gender.It is natural for parents to ask if it is "just a phase." But, there is no easy answer.

Definitions

Gender diverse: An umbrella term to describe an ever-evolving array of labels people may apply when their gender identity, expression, or even perception does not conform to the norms and stereotypes others expect.

Gender identity: One's internal sense of who one is, based on an interaction of biological traits, developmental influences, and environmental conditions. This may be male, female, somewhere in between, a combination of both or neither. Self-recognition of gender identity develops over time, much the same way a child's physical body does.

Sexual orientation: One's sexual identity as it relates to who someone falls in love with or is attracted to. A person who is transgender still identifies as straight, gay, bisexual or something else. Like gender identity, an individual's physical and emotional attraction to a member of the same or the opposite sex cannot be changed and is very difficult to predict early in childhood.

Transgender: Usually used when gender diverse traits remain persistent, consistent, and insistent over time.

Accepting your child's gender-diverse identity

Research suggests that gender is something we are born with; it can't be changed by any interventions. It is critically important that children feel loved and accepted for who they are.

When disclosing their gender diverse identity, some kids might expect immediate acceptance and understanding. However, there is evidence that family members go through their own process of becoming more comfortable and understanding of a child's gender identity, thoughts and feelings. One model suggests the process resembles the stages of grief: shock, denial, anger, bargaining and acceptance.

Just as gender diverse children do best when their feelings are explored and validated, some parents may need their own emotional supports.They may also have many questions along their child's journey.

What parents can do

When your child discloses their identity to you, respond in an affirming, supportive way. Understand that although gender identity is not able to be changed, it often is revealed over time as people discover more about themselves.

Accept and love your child as they are. Try to understand what they are feeling and experiencing. Even if there are disagreements, they will need your support and validation to develop into healthy teens and adults.

Stand up for your child when they are mistreated. Do not minimize the social pressure or bullying your child may be facing. See How You Can Help Your Child Avoid & Address Bullying.

Make it clear that slurs or jokes based on gender, gender identity or sexual orientation are not tolerated. Express your disapproval of these types of jokes or slurs when you encounter them in the community or media.

Be on the look out for danger signs that may indicate a need for mental health support, such as anxiety, insecurity, depression, low self-esteem and any emotional problems in your child and others who may not have a source of support otherwise.

Connect your child with LGBTQ organizations, resources and events. It is important for them to know they are not alone.

Celebrate diversity in all forms. Provide access to a variety of books, movies and materials-including those that positively represent gender diverse individuals. Point out LGBTQ celebrities and role models who stand up for the LGBTQ community, and people in general who demonstrate bravery in the face of social stigma.

Support your child's self-expression. Engage in conversations with them around their choices of clothing, jewelry, hairstyle, friends and room decorations.

Reach out for education, resources and support if you feel the need to deepen your own understanding of LGBTQ youth experiences. See Support Resources for Families of Gender Diverse Youth.

Gender affirmative care

Gender affirmative care is based on the belief that all children benefit from love and support. The goal of gender affirmative care is not treatment; it is to listen to a child and, with the help of parents and families, build understanding.

Pediatricians provide gender affirmative care by creating a safe environment in which complicated emotions, questions and concerns related to gender can be appreciated and explored. Gender affirmative care is most effective in a collaborative system with access to medical, mental health and social services, including specific resources for parents and families.

Mental health support for gender-diverse kids

Support or rejection ultimately has little influence on the gender identity of youth; however, it may strongly affect young person's ability to openly share or discuss concerns about their identity and feelings. Gender-diverse identities and expressions are not mental disorders, but suppressing gender concerns can harm a child's emotional health and development and possibly contribute to high rates of depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

A large proportion of teenage suicide attempts are linked to issues of gender and sexuality, particularly feelings of rejection. Many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals unfortunately attempt suicide during their lifetime.

As a parent, even when you struggle to understand and may not see eye-to-eye, your most important role is to offer understanding, respect and unconditional love for your child. This builds trust and puts you in a better position to help them through difficult times. Research has shown that if a transgender teen has even just one supportive person their life, it greatly reduces their risk of suicide.

Transgender and gender-diverse children-like all children-need support, love and care from family, school and society. When supported and loved as they grow and develop, kids mature into happy and healthy adults. Pediatricians stand ready to assist in the healthy development of transgender and gender-diverse children.

How I Raised My Kids With Inclusiveness & Resilience in Mind

I have two teenagers. One identifies as 'non-binary'; and sometimes as 'I don't know'; uses the pronouns she/they/them; has a girlfriend and identifies their sexual orientation as queer. The other identifies as she/her and pansexual.

When I had children, I didn't know if they would be CIS-gendered, non-binary or trans, nor did I know what their sexual orientation would be. But my training as a therapist and the time I spent working in the early days of the AIDS pandemic had me well aware of elevated risk factors for children and young people who identify as LGBTQ+.

I knew that homophobia and transphobia could result in disturbing and dangerous outcomes. For example, I knew that nearly half of LGBTQ+ kids and young people seriously considered suicide in the past year, and that LGBTQ+ youth of color report higher rates of suicide attempts than their white peers.

But I also knew that LGBTQ+ youth who felt high social support from their family reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those who felt low or moderate social support.

So, knowing all this, I consciously tried to work resiliency and protective factors into how I parented from the time my kids were infants. Here are some guideposts that have served me well as a parent of non-gender conforming and queer children:

Ask, don't assume. Since family acceptance is such a huge factor in protecting the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ kids, I decided not to assume anything about my children's gender identity and sexual orientation. When my oldest child told me about theirfirst crush in middle-school, I made sure to ask if the person was a girl, boy, trans or non-binary. I saw the relief on my child's face when I said "girl" and she said "that one." I ask my kids their preferred pronouns, as well as their permission before sharing their pronouns outside of our immediate family.

Seek positive role models. Our community and inner circle include people who identify as gay/queer, trans and non-binary.I also commit to finding developmentally appropriate ways to integrate LGBTQ+ literature, role models, film, cultural events and celebrations into our lives. My children and I have joined Pride parades in support of my sibling who is non-binary and queer. Our family's social media feeds include LGBTQ+ influencers, and we stream and watch shows together featuring queer and trans youth and their families.

Prioritize inclusion. I consciously use language and, when the kids were young, found stories that were inclusive: mommies who married mommies, kids born girls who realized they were really boys, and people who were both male and female. Our bookshelves include graphic novels and books detailing the contributions of LGBTQ+ people across the globe and history. If a form only has two genders on it - I change the form.

Enlist the support of trusted adults. I have made it a point to ensure my children's medical providers and other trusted adults are inclusive and familiar with serving LGBTQ+ youth. My oldest child has a therapist who specializes in working with youth who are not CIS-gendered and identify as LGBTQ+. Our refrigerator has a list of youth help lines and mental health programs that my kids can call if needed. On that list are a bunch of LGBTQ+ organization and resources.

Ask for help. I make mistakes (still working on not misgendering) and I have a lot to learn. So, I call upon friends and family who grew up queer and non-gender conforming to support my children and my parenting. I have also reached out to our pediatricians for mental health and wellness resources. I look for and use online resources specifically for parents of LGBTQ+ kids.

I know that I cannot protect my children from the discrimination that is directed towards them and all people who are LGBTQ+, but I can make sure they feel accepted and seen in our home, and that they are connected with as many resources as possible to help them navigate health futures.

Nancy Netherland is a mother and advocate for her two daughters, both former foster children born, and living, with chronic medical complexities. Nancy serves advisory panels for the State of California's Medicaid Children's Health Advisory Panel , the UCSF Children & Adolescent Psychiatry Portal , the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal Workgroup for Foster Youth and Families, and the family advisory councils at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco and Oakland. Nancy founded Kids and Caregivers, a nonprofit supporting caregivers of children living with chronic and complex illnesses . She is also Director of Parent Engagement for the California Children's Trust.

When to get help

If your child is struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, isolation or other emotional concerns, they may need to see a mental health professional who can offer additional support. If your child mentions any suicidal thinking, bring it to the attention of your pediatrician or mental health professional right away.

Ask your pediatrician if a telehealth visit by phone or video call is an option. Your child may feel more comfortable talking to their doctor from home. For teens, the telehealth visit should take place in as private of a place as possible so they can have a one-on-one conversation with the doctor. You can make a plan with the doctor about talking before or after they talk to your teen privately. If it's a video call, and your child or teen would prefer to have the camera off, they can ask their doctor if that is okay. Telehealth visits can also be used for follow-up visits to check on your child's progress.

Talk with your pediatrician early & often

Children as young as preschool-age may start having difficult feelings and concerns about their bodies, feelings and relationships. It is important to recognize that cross-gender preferences and play is a normal part of exploring gender and relationships for children regardless of their future gender identity. Routine conversations about gender creates an environment of support and reassurance so that children feel safe bringing up questions and concerns. It is also good practice for continuing these discussions at home.

The best approach, for parents or pediatricians, is to nonjudgmentally ask questions that allow the child to talk about their experience and feelings before applying any labels or assumptions. For more information or help finding a support group for yourself or your child, please talk with your pediatrician.

More information

Other languages available

About Dr. Rafferty:

Jason Rafferty, MD, MPH, EdM, FAAP, is a "Triple Board" residency graduate who is pediatrician and child psychiatrist at Thundermist Health Centers, a Patient-Centered Medical Home in Rhode Island. Dr. Rafferty specializes in adolescent substance use disorders and gender and sexual development, and also practices in related specialty clinics at Hasbro Children's Hospital and Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital. Dr. Rafferty is an advocate in his local community and on a national level through work with the American Academy of Pediatrics on issues including the emotional health of young men, access to care for LGBTQ youth, and prevention of childhood homelessness.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
gender~ transgender~ faq~ gender fluid~ gender diverse~ lqbtq parent

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
​​Some children do not identify with either gender. They may feel like they are somewhere in between or have no gender. It is natural for parents to ask if it is "just a phase." But, there is no easy answer. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains why.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hi, I’m Skylar and I’m a proud member of the LGBT community. A couple years ago, I learned that my younger sister had begun vaping. Vaping pods with flavors and very high concentrations of nicotine. Of course, I worried about this newfound addiction, but she assured me that it was safer because she was vaping and not smoking. However, the huge amount of nicotine in the pods soon proved to be enough. Despite there being much more nicotine in vape products, she quickly moved to cigarettes as well. First, she was socially smoking and then she became pretty dependent on nicotine as a substance. My little sister is a professional singer and a really amazing vocalist and song-writer. I was terrified for her because of this thing that she stumbled into over the course of her nightlife as a student and as a young bisexual woman (which I later realized put her at twice as much risk as a heterosexual person for starting to vape). This product that she had become dependent on could take away the thing that she’s the most passionate about, and beyond that potentially take away her life. I was terrified, both at the idea of losing her too soon and at the idea of having to see her live without her voice, which is the most important thing to her. Thankfully, it took a year or two, but my little sister has since quit using all nicotine products, and I am so SO happy and hope that she won’t see any long-term effects.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Family Acceptance Project ® is a research, intervention, education and policy initiative to prevent health and mental health risks and to promote well-being for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified (LGBTQ) children and youth, including suicide, homelessness, drug use and HIV - in the context of their families, cultures and faith communities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Welcome to the Family Acceptance Project®

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Family Acceptance Project ® is a research, intervention, education and policy initiative to prevent health and mental health risks and to promote well-being for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified (LGBTQ) children and youth, including suicide, homelessness, drug use and HIV - in the context of their families, cultures and faith communities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our Events

Dulles Triangles is an inclusive social club with members from across the LGBTQ+ community. We host 6-8 Club-sponsored events every year, plus weekly Happy Hours and dinners, and many member-sponsored events, including bowling, movies, hiking, amusement parks, book clubs, billiards, dinners, drag shows ... the list goes on and on!

Our Roots

While the Dulles Triangles began in Northern Virginia, our membership has expanded to include the national capital region and beyond. All are welcome and included in our numerous planned activities.

Our Members

Dulles Triangles has over 175 paid members; weekly mailings to over 650 people; and nearly 1,600 people following us on social media. Our members range in age from their early 20s to those well into their retirement; and include people of all genders and identities, including allies.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
LGBTQIA+ Social Club | Dulles Triangles | Virginia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dulles Triangles is an inclusive social club with members from across the LGBTQ+ community, focused on providing fun events for our members. While our roots began in Northern Virginia, our membership has expanded to include the national capital region and beyond. All are welcome and included in our numerous planned activities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
DC Metro Area Transgender Groups

Second Fridays / Transformations
MCC - NoVA - 10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax, VA
on the 2nd Friday of each month, 7 pm
Peer-facilitated transgender support and community building group,
A safe space if you are in gender transition, considering the possibility
(even remotely), or have completed transition; also open to anyone anywhere
along the gender spectrum, whether static or dynamic; you are invited
to this safe space of support and sharing. Significant Others,
Friends, Family, and Allies are welcome.
There are also Support / Community Building Groups for:
Parents & Guardians of Trans and Gender Expansive Children, Tweens, Teens, and Young Adults
And for Teens & Tweens, Spouses, Children
For More Information on These Groups Contact:
RevEmmaChattin@gmail.com

DCATS
DC Area Transmasculine Society
FtM focused transgender support group
http://www.dcatsinfo.org
Webmaster@dcatsinfo.org
Contact for meeting place and time

Fairfax Trans Families (PFLAG)
TransFamiliesVA@gmail.com
City of Fairfax Regional Library
10360 North Street, Fairfax, VA
Meets on 4th Sunday, 3:30-5:00 pm,

MAGIC (Metro Area Gender Identity Coalition)
Peer-facilitated transgender support group
http://www.magic-dc.org
Falls Church Presbyterian Church
225 E. Broad St., Falls Church
Meets on the 3rd Friday of each month, 8 pm

NOVA Transyouth
(peer-supported group for ages 18-35)
novatransyouth@gmail.com
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington,
4444 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA
Meets on the 2nd Saturday, 6:30 pm

Transgender Peer Support Group at Whitman Walker
Whitman-Walker has several Trans Support groups at various times.
Please refer to their website for specific groups and times:
http://www.whitman-walker.org/service/medical/transgender-care/
Call David Klein at 202.939.7646 or e-mail: dklein@whitman-walker.org.
**An initial screening appointment is necessary for admission.**

First Friday Transgender Discussion Group (DC)
Peer-facilitated discussion group for members of the transgender community
as well as partners, friends, and allies. Join us!
http://www.facebook.com/centertrans
http://www.twitter.com/centertrans
DC Center for the LGBT Community
2000 14th St NW, Washington, DC.
Meets on the 1st Friday of each month
DC Metro Area Therapists
These entries represent neither approval nor recommendation - they are simply provided as a resource.

Uzi Ben-Ami, Ph.D. *
205 Watts Branch Parkway Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 301.424.1941

Thomas Coughlin, LPC *
1633 Q St. NW Suite 210 Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202.643.5675
Email: tcoughlinlpc@comcast.net

Carolyn Dozier, L.C.S.W. *
100 N. Washington St., Suite 304, Falls Church, VA 22046
Phone: 703-532-2424

Michael A. Giordano, LICSW *
Suite 4E 1555 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202.460.6384

Joan Pickett, LPC
1485 Chain Bridge Road Suite 203 McLean, VA 22101
Phone: 703.749.7928

Kate Thomas, Ph.D
2360 W. Joppa Rd. Suite 219 Lutherville, MD 21093
Phone: 410.616.7152

Anne L. Edwards, Psy.D.- Raise Your Wellness, LLC
7019 Backlick Court
Springfield, VA 22151
703-509-6753
www.raiseyourwellness.com

Ellen Warren LCSW
950 N. Washington St, Suite 240,
Alex,VA 22314
(703) 683-0710/ 765-5234
Email: ellenrwarren.lcsw@gmail.com

Chris Wright, LPC, LMFT *
Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Very Familiar with TG Community.
607 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, Virginia, 22101 -
Phone: 703.560.1520.

Shawn Rubin, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Banyan Counseling Center,
Phone: 510-725-7600,
Email: shawn@shawnrubin.com

John Thomas, MA [Member: WPATH]
Resident in Counseling, Falls Church Counseling
313 Park Avenue, Suite 203
Falls Church, VA 22046
703-665-7000
http://www.fallschurchcounseling.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Us Helping Us, People Into Living, Inc., (UHU) was founded in 1985 by Rainey Cheeks with the support of his friends. All of them were African-American gay or bisexual men.

# data[].attributes.headline
National Suicide Prevention Hotline for LGBTQ+ Community

# data[].attributes.subject
National Suicide Prevention Hotline for LGBTQ+ Community

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Like other oppressed communities, LGBTQI+ communities are disproportionately at risk for suicide and other mental health struggles due to historic and ongoing structural violence.

# data[].attributes.headline
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline

# data[].attributes.subject
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
National Helpline for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

# data[].attributes.headline
25 LGBTQ Addiction & Mental Health Support Resources

# data[].attributes.subject
25 LGBTQ Addiction & Mental Health Support Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
25 LGBTQ Addiction & Mental Health Support Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our list of 25 LGBTQ+ resources for addiction and mental health offers information, assistance, and care specific to the community.

# data[].attributes.headline
Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists

# data[].attributes.subject
Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
AGLP Virtual Meet Ups and Educational Sessions

AGLP is bringing online virtual experiences to you. Please CLICK HERE for our schedule of upcoming virtual events:

Search our database of LGBTQ-friendly psychiatrists near you that are members of the association.

AGLP Membership

40*400*1 Membership Drive

﻿AGLP recently completed a very successful membership drive, labeled "40-400-1," to celebrate our 40th Anniversary and challenge us as a whole to expand our membership numbers. By the end of the Annual Meeting in 2019, overall, membership in AGLP grew by 35% over the previoust year! The largest growth was seen in the Medical Student category - a good portend for the future of AGLP. This category has the greatest potential for long-term membership retention as we have seen in years past. A very large percentage of our current membership and executive leadership were introduced to AGLP as medical students. We also exceeded our membership revenue goals for the year by over 10%. Growth was also seen in "Patron-level" membership categories which continue to sustain our organization in real and tangible ways. Covid has presented several challenges over the past two years, but our membership numbers remain strong as a result of several online initiaves developed to keep our membership engaged.

AGLP Membership

By the numbers

Keep in Touch

contact us today

We'd love to hear from you!

Top

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
place a description for your webpage here

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mental Health in LGBTQ Youth – Children’s Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
See the statistics about mental health issues and suicide in LGBTQ youth and ways you can support gay, transgender or gender diverse children and teens.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Trauma and the LGBT Community: An In-Depth Look | NMW Recovery

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From early childhood bullying to hate crimes, trauma disproportionately affects the LGBTQ community. Learn more about trauma and the LGBT community

# data[].attributes.headline
Mental Health America: LGBTQ+ Communities and Mental Health

# data[].attributes.subject
Mental Health America: LGBTQ+ Communities and Mental Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
LGBTQ+ Communities and Mental Health | Mental Health America

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Everyone has a sexual orientation and gender identity. Sexual orientation is who you are romantically or physically attracted to. Gender identity is the internal sense of being male, female, both or neither, which is separate from your biological sex. People who have a different sexual orientation or gender identity from most people fall under the umbrella term LGBTQ+. It is really important to know that identifying as LGBTQ+ is NOT a mental illness or disorder.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Triangle Club | LGBTQIA Recovery Community - Washington, DC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Proudly Serving Washington DC’s LGBTQIA Recovery Community! Meeting List Click here to sign up to volunteer for the World Pride meeting! Our Mission Triangle Club Mission Statement: To provide a clean, safe, dependable space where those struggling with addiction can gather and hold meetings in accordance with the 12 Steps of recovery. Triangle Club Diversity

# data[].attributes.headline
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Health

# data[].attributes.subject
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning Plus (LGBTQ+*) community represents a diverse range of identities and expressions of gender and sexual orientation. In addition to these identities, members of the community are diverse in terms of race, religion, ethnicity, nationality and socioeconomic class. This intersectionality — the combined and overlapping aspects of a persons’s […]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The ACLU works to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, & queer people belong everywhere and can live openly and authentically without discrimination, harassment, or violence. The ACLU has a long history of defending the LGBTQ community. We brought our first LGBTQ rights case in 1936. What is now the Jon L.

# data[].attributes.headline
DASH: District Alliance for Safe Housing

# data[].attributes.subject
DASH: District Alliance for Safe Housing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
I Am LGBTQI - The District Alliance for Safe Housing

# data[].attributes.headline
The National Center for Transgender Equality

# data[].attributes.subject
The National Center for Transgender Equality

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
National Center for Transgender Equality

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
| National Center for Transgender Equality

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The National Center for Transgender Equality is the nation's leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people.

# data[].attributes.headline
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF)

# data[].attributes.subject
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The National LGBTQ Task Force is dedicated to achieving freedom and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer people, and their families through proactive, targeted, change-inducing initiatives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
© 2020 SRLP (Sylvia Rivera Law Project). All Rights Reserved.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Transgender Law Center Transgender Law Center is the largest national trans-led organization advocating self-determination for all people. Since 2002 we’ve been organizing, assisting, informing and empowering thousands of individual community members towards a long-term, national, trans-led movement…

# data[].attributes.headline
Support Groups Padlet-Scroll to the right to find LGBTQ+

# data[].attributes.subject
Support Groups Padlet-Scroll to the right to find LGBTQ+

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Family Building Options for Same Sex Couples | Egg Donors, Surrogacy, IVF & Sperm Donors

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Are you looking to start a family and frustrated with the lack of options available to the LGBTQ+ community? Gay Parents to Be has been a leader in LGBTQ healthcare equality since 2012.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
LGBTQ youth face challenges that parents feel unprepared to tackle. To help, pediatricians Renata Sanders and Errol Fields share ways to support your kid.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
LGBTQIA - Young Adult Books With LGBTQIA Parents | Los Angeles Public Library

# data[].attributes.headline
Family Support: Resources for Families of Transgender & Gender Diverse Children

# data[].attributes.subject
Family Support: Resources for Families of Transgender & Gender Diverse Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Many people don't understand what it means to be transgender or gender diverse, so some parents or family members struggle when their child comes out as transgender or gender diverse. It is natural for parents to have questions, and this document, jointly created by the Biden Foundation, Gender Spectrum, and the Movement Advancement Project, highlights resources geared toward answering those questions. These resources also help parents gain deeper understanding and learn how to best support their child in ways that can help them succeed and thrive. Parents and family members will learn why family rejection is so devastating and find practical steps for advancing acceptance. Learn more at www.advancingacceptance.org
Who are transgender youth, and what challenges do they face?

Why is family acceptance so important?

Your child's well-being depends on it. Extensive research shows that transgender youth with supportive parents "report higher life satisfaction, higher self-esteem, [and] better mental health including less depression and fewer suicide attempts" than those without strong parental support.

What are practical ways for families to support transgender youth?

Resources for specific audiences:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Family Support: Resources for Families of Transgender & Gender Diverse Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Many people don't understand what it means to be transgender or gender diverse, so some parents or family members struggle when their child comes out as transgender or gender diverse. It is natural for parents to have questions, and this document, jointly created by the Biden Foundation, Gender Spectrum, and the Movement Advancement Project, highlights resources geared toward answering those questions.

# data[].attributes.headline
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

# data[].attributes.subject
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We're so glad you found us! PFLAG is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Equality Loudoun | LGBTQ+ | Loudoun County, Virginia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
LGBT, LGBTQ+, LGBT, human rights, gay, transgender, Loudoun, Leesburg, Sterling, Ashburn, Purcelville, Lovettsville, Berryvilla, Hamilton, Aldie, rights, queer, love, progress, EQLOCO, equality, loudoun, lesbian, bigender, gender fluid, LGBTQ+ Rights Organization | Equality Loudoun, Equality Loudoun

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Equality Prince William – Equality Prince William

# data[].attributes.headline
Asian and Pacific Islanders Queers United for Action (AQUA) DC

# data[].attributes.subject
Asian and Pacific Islanders Queers United for Action (AQUA) DC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Asian & Pacific Islander Queers United for Action empowers queer and trans LGBTQ+ voices in DC and the Capital Regian

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
According to a study conducted by Campus Pride, about 23% of LGBTQ+ faculty members and students were significantly more likely to experience harassment than their heterosexual peers. In addition, LGBT students and faculty members were significantly less likely to feel very comfortable with their environment on-campus. These findings demonstrate the need for colleges to take an active stance against LGBTQ+ harassment and discrimination ― a stance that, in part, will make it so that LGBTQ+ students feel safe and welcome to attend.

This year we partnered with Campus Pride to bring you the top colleges in the country for LGBTQ+ students. The ranking below combines our Academic and Affordability Metrics along with the Campus Pride Index score, which is a comprehensive national rating system that measures LGBTQ-friendly campus life. Campus Pride takes an exhaustive and multifaceted approach, considering eight LGBTQ-inclusive factors to reach a measurement. The listing also includes descriptions of unique campus resources that provide support to students of various gender and sexual identities.

LGBTQ+ is not a comprehensive acronym. Students looking for resources will likely come across many other abbreviations, since gender and sexuality fall across spectrums rather than set categories. Other examples include pansexual (P), gender non-conforming (GNC), and queer (Q). Acronyms aside, most LGBTQ+ campus resources try to serve as an umbrella resource for many identities. This list examines colleges that provide an exceptional level of support for students of various gender and sexual identities.

Academic institutions continue to take steps to create environments and policies that meet the needs of students with a wide range of gender and sexual identities. These populations have historically been underserved by hegemonic culture, so many college administrations are spearheading efforts to raise awareness of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) identities.

Check out The Best LGBTQ+ Colleges by State

What Are The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students?

How to Choose an LGBTQ-Friendly College

In recent years, a growing number of young adults have begun to openly identify as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) community. A 2017 Gallup poll found that 4.5% of U.S. residents ― roughly 10 million individuals ― identify as LGBTQ; this figure was up from 3.5% in 2012. The representation was even higher in Millennials or adults born in 1982 or later; 8.2% of Millennial respondents identified as LGBTQ+, up from 5.8% in 2012.

Many of the country's colleges and universities have taken measures to ensure that LGBTQ+ students feel safe and respected. According to the Consortium of Higher Education Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Resource Professionals, more than 150 postsecondary institutions in the U.S. currently offer on-campus LGBTQ centers, and organizations like Campus Pride maintain up-to-date evaluations of different schools based on how 'LGBTQ-friendly' they are. However, some widespread problems persist. A recent survey published by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) found that 55.5% of LGBTQ+ students 'felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation'; 30.3% missed at least one day of school in the previous month because they felt unsafe, and more than 10% missed at least four days.

There are many important considerations students face when it comes to choosing the best college or university for them. These include the cost of tuition and housing, available financial aid, academic reputation, and campus size. Additionally, LGBTQ+ students are encouraged to research different schools based on the following criteria:

LGBTQ+ Campus Safety: Virtually every campus in the country has strict rules regarding the harassment and abuse of other students, but these policies should clearly outline two factors: the specific condemnation of acts of abuse or harassment against members of the LGBTQ+ community and an explanation of the procedure for LGBTQ+ students that have been abused or harassed.

LGBTQ+ Housing: Gender identity is a major issue for many LGBTQ+ individuals. To mitigate this, Campus Pride reports that 263 colleges and universities currently offer 'gender-inclusive housing', which enables any student to have a roommate of either gender. Furthermore, students may feel more comfortable at schools that openly support LGBTQ+ students in their housing information materials.

LGBTQ-Friendly Policies: According to Campus Pride, 1,036 postsecondary institutions in the U.S. have non-discrimination policies that extend to sexual orientation and gender expression. Alternatively, the organization also maintains a 'shame list' of schools that 'openly discriminate against LGBTQ+ youth and/or have requested Title IX exemptions to perpetuate the harms of religion-based bigotry'.

Counseling and Mental Health Opportunities: In addition to organizations and policies that strive to create an inclusive atmosphere for LGBTQ+ students, many colleges and universities currently offer counseling options aimed at these individuals. In some cases, these services are facilitated by counselors and staff that also identify as LGBTQ.

Video Interview: University of Washington Q Center

How are LGBTQ+ Students Protected Today?

Before attending a college or university in the U.S., LGBTQ+ students should be aware of their legal rights. The following three acts have been passed within the last decade in order to provide more protection and advocacy for all LGBTQ+ individuals, including college students.

The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was passed in 2009. The act was named for two hate crime victims: Matthew Shepard, a gay student at the University of Wyoming who was murdered in 1998; and James Byrd, Jr., an African-American man killed by white supremacists the same year. The act provides more leeway for federal law enforcement officials to investigate crimes that local authorities have dismissed or closed, allocates funding to aid the prosecution of hate crime perpetrators, and requires the FBI to maintain statistics regarding hate crime incidence rates for different vulnerable groups.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 explicitly prohibits sex-based discrimination of any individual attending a federally funded educational program. These programs include public colleges and universities, as well as elementary and secondary schools and vocational training programs offered by individuals or organizations that receive federal financial assistance. This law does not extend to private undergraduate colleges or private schools that are controlled by religious organizations.

In addition to federal measures like the two listed above, many anti-discrimination laws exist at the state level. According to Lambda Legal, a nonprofit organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ civil rights, 19 U.S. states have passed laws ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals can utilize ''public accommodations' ― such as colleges and universities ― in the same manner as other citizens. These states are: California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. New Hampshire and Wisconsin have laws protecting equal rights based on sexual orientation, but not gender expression.

Meet Campus Pride with Shane Windmeye

Founder and Director of Campus Pride, Shane Windmeyer, sits down with BestColleges to discuss what makes a college LGBTQ friendly and what signals prospective LGBTQ students should look out for when researching colleges.

Transcript

So I think that any campuses that wants to get started being LGBT inclusive or wants to kind of measure where they are at for LGBTQ inclusion - that's why we provide the Campus Pride Index.

It's an online tool that provides about 80 different benchmarks around LGBTQ inclusion and by taking that assessment tool you're able to lead with an action plan.

My name is Shane Windmeyer. I am the executive director, I am the founder of Campus Pride. Campus Pride started in 2001 when myself and a few of my colleagues who were younger professionals in higher education decided that there needed to be a website, a clearinghouse, for LGBTQ+ students who were looking to create change to make their campuses better.

So we started an organization online called "Campus Pride Net" and it was really a clearinghouse of resources for LGBT young people. And it wasn't until 2006-2007 when I published a book called &ldquol;The Advocate College Guide," that was the first time ever that we've had a comprehensive look at what does it take to be LGBT friendly.

I think we have reached a time in 2020 where colleges want to be LGBTQ friendly but they don't necessarily know what that means especially when it comes to transgender or bisexual or middlesexuality. And often colleges think that by having a LGBTQ club or a gay pride event on campus or maybe even a drag show that somehow that makes them gay friendly or queer friendly.

And while those programs or those events are important it's about the policies, the programs, and the practices of the campus that create the foundation for campuses to truly be authentic and have meaningful engagement with LGBTQ people and to create that sense of safety that every family or parent or young person wants as an LGBTQ person going to college.

As part of the ranking that we do with BestColleges, we're really taking the data from the Campus Pride Index and what the Campus Pride Index does is it has eight different, what we call LGBTQ friendly factors. Which are eight different areas of campus from housing to campus safety, to academics, to student life, and it looks at these factors and in these factors there's best practices. Or a research foundation of programs and policies that create that environment for LGBTQ inclusion. And so some of those might be having a mentorship program for LGBTQ students.

Possibly it's having gender inclusive policies when it comes to health insurance. So having gender affirmation covered as part of the health plan. It could be having a student club for transgender students or LGBTQ students.

I think it's real important to think about the signals that it takes for an LGBTQ student to kind of get the message that they're welcome and that they're included. That we have out LGBT resident advisors, that we have orientation folks that are out. You should have LGBTQ people just as you do other aspects of diversity in everything you do on campus.

That includes queer people, LGBTQ language that calls out transgender lives and their experiences. That talks about bisexuality, talks about being gay, uses the term "LGBTQ+".

It is so simple for people to think, 'Oh, I have a rainbow flag' or 'I have a safe space program and we have a safe space sticker on my door' as a faculty member. Those are important signals to send a signal of inclusion but oftentimes our signals are also sent in what we say and what we don't say as administrators, as staff, as faculty, as fellow students.

And so when we talk about diversity, we need to talk about diversity in an intersectional manner making sure that they understand that people of color are latinx or are african american students. Making sure that there are services that are intersectional for those LGBTQ people of color or those queer people of color.

And so we try to look at it from a policy, program and practice perspective. In higher education we can no longer have these silos of 'we're doing LGBTQ student work', 'okay, we're doing international student work', 'okay, we're doing african american work', or 'we're doing latinx community work'. I mean these communities are intersectional and we have to start approaching them that way

I think there's an assumption that every college campus is a bastion of LGBTQ progress and that queer people run the campus and everything is rainbows and unicorns but in reality its only about a quarter to 30% of colleges in this country have inclusion when it comes to sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policy.

So what that means is that there are roughly 60-70% of colleges out there that don't even have a basic policy that says that they don't discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. Now when we look at transgender or gender identity that number drops even lower.

And so it's important that you ask about policies. Its also important that you ask about the programs that they have for trans, for bisexual, for LGB ... The whole spectrum of the "Rainbow Community" as you might call it, on a college campus.

It's also important to note that there are colleges, sadly, that call themselves religious that openly discriminate against LGBTQ young people. Meaning that they have policies through Title IX that says they can discriminate towards someone for being transgender or gay, for being out on campus. And so you want to make sure you don't go to any of those campuses even though you may have strong religious beliefs.

We are in a time where just because you're Christian or whatever religion you believe in, that is not synonymous with not being LGBTQ inclusive. So, it's kind of tricky because there are many religious schools out there that have created an affirming, welcoming space for LGBTQ people but there are many that also openly discriminate or don't tell you until you really dig deep.

I think at the end of the day, it is about doing your research. Just like if you want to be a scientist, you want to find campuses that support science. So if you want to be an LGBTQ out person on a campus, you want to find campuses that are going to be supportive of you being your authentic self.

How Can Prospective Students Utilize Campus Pride?

Campus Pride was founded in 2001 as an online networking community known as Campus PrideNet; the current name was adopted in 2006. Campus Pride abides by a mission to serve 'LGBTQ and ally student leaders and campus organizations in the areas of leadership development, support programs and services to create safer, more inclusive LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities'. The organization's projects and initiatives are concentrated in five core values: social justice, youth voice and action, empowerment, positive change, and diversity.

Campus Pride's projects and initiatives are concentrated in five core values: social justice, youth voice and action, empowerment, positive change, and diversity

One of Campus Pride's most noteworthy initiatives, the Lambda 10 Project, was launched to 'heighten the visibility' of LGBTQ+ students in fraternities and sororities. The success of Lambda 10 has led to the creation of other projects centered around LGBTQ+ members of the Greek community, including the Out & Greek Conference and the Greek Ally Network. Campus Pride also conducts student surveys at college and university campuses across the country. The results of these surveys are used to update the Campus Pride Index, which awards star ratings (scaled one to five) for different schools based on anti-discrimination policies, LGBTQ+ student resources, and other criteria. Campus Pride also maintains the shame list, a directory of 'the absolute worst campuses for LGBTQ+ youth'.

Students can get involved with Campus Pride in several ways. The organization offers ' stop the hate' training programs that are intended to reduce the number of discrimination incidents and hate crimes on college campuses. Students can also download the ' Lil' Purple Backpack', a comprehensive resource guide regarding laws, organizations, and advocacy programs for LGBTQ+ students; this guide is available for free. Other activities and opportunities include job and career fairs, online training, internships, and Camp Pride, a leadership academy for LGBTQ+ undergraduate students.

Resources for LGBTQ+ College Students

There are many resources available to today's LGBTQ+ college students; the following list represents a sampling of hundreds of options. Please contact your school's LGBTQ+ center for more information about LGBTQ+ policies, programs, and initiatives. You can also search for your institution on Campus Pride to see its current 'LGBTQ-friendly' rating.

This list includes more than 30 merit- and need-based scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid that are geared toward LGBTQ+ students. Candidates can also learn about financial awards from high school and college counselors.

This comprehensive guide outlines the unique difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ students, as well as a glossary of current terms, tips for choosing an LGBTQ-friendly institution, and a list of pro-LGBTQ+ organizations.

This extensive resource from Campus Pride includes checklists and guidelines for prospective LGBTQ+ students for every stage of the application and enrollment process. It offers some strategies for locating LGBTQ-friendly organizations and resources on-campus and within the school's local community.

Campus Pride created this list of guidelines to help students hold their schools accountable for LGBTQ+ safety. The list includes tips for evaluating institutional policies, implementing training and development workshops, and creating more visibility for LGBTQ+ students and community concerns on college campuses.

Campus Pride currently offers free, 30-minute video training courses for LGBTQ+ college students, faculty, and staff members. The goals of these tutorials are twofold: to increase 'empathy and awareness' for the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students and build skills and knowledge that foster an environment of on-campus respect.

According to Campus Pride, some organizations have misinterpreted Title IX to mean that fraternities and sororities should remain single-gender and not admit transgender students. This information page outlines current policies and ways that Greek systems can create a more inclusive environment for all students.

Every year, Campus Pride publishes a list of the friendliest U.S. schools for LGBTQ+ students. The 2018 ranking includes schools from 16 different states, including historically conservative states like Indiana, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students | BestColleges

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
According to a study conducted by Campus Pride, about 23% of LGBTQ+ faculty members and students were significantly more likely to experience harassment than their heterosexual peers. In addition, LGBT students and faculty members were significantly less likely to feel very comfortable with their environment on-campus.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Are you a transgender individual or ally? Join TransTech for free and get the practical, career-ready skills you need to survive and thrive in this economy.

Latest News

A Co-Learning and Co-Working Community

TransTech is an incubator for LGBTQ Talent with a focus on economically empowering the T, transgender people, in our community. TransTech is a co-working, co-learning community dedicated to empowering trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer people and allies with practical, career-ready skills.

Empower.

We provide resources for the economic empowerment of our members, and we celebrate and showcase the talents and accomplishments within our community. We have partnered with Stonewall National Monument and Visitor Center to curate a collective of trans artists for their designs, and we fully funded 100 trans and non-binary folks to experience CHICAGO musical on Broadway.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home Page | TransTech Social Enterprises

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With a new generation of progressive minds entering the workforce, many employers are actively recruiting LGBTQ+ employees. Here are some resources for…

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Projects include Lavender Graduation ceremonies, trans-affirming programming, and visibility for BIPOC and disability justice initiatives. CHARLOTTE, NC - Today Campus Pride announced a new round of funding for its "Social Justice Mini-Grants for Activism" program, designed to elevate and celebrate ...
Read More →

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting Campus Pride and the valuable work we do for LGBTQ+ college students across the country. We needed you, and you made a generous gift. Our Giving Tuesday fundraising drive raised $11,510 ...
Read More →

Charlotte, NC - Today, Campus Pride, the leading national organization for LGBTQ+ young adults on college campuses, responded to the deadly mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, a local LGBTQ+ nightclub. The club is a safe-haven for the ...
Read More →

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Campus Pride | Building Future Leaders & Safer, More Inclusive LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges & Universities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Projects include Lavender Graduation ceremonies, trans-affirming programming, and visibility for BIPOC and disability justice initiatives. CHARLOTTE, NC - Today Campus Pride announced a new round of funding for its "Social Justice Mini-Grants for Activism" program, designed to elevate and celebrate ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and gender nonconforming people are a part of every community and beloved members of many families. Learn how to discuss sexual orientations and gender identities with your kid, and how to support them if they're LGBTQ.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Talking to your Child about Identity: A Resource for Parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and gender nonconforming people are a part of every community and beloved members of many families. Learn how to discuss sexual orientations and gender identities with your kid, and how to support them if they're LGBTQ.

# data[].attributes.headline
7 tips for LGBTQ parents to help schools fight stigma and ignorance

# data[].attributes.subject
7 tips for LGBTQ parents to help schools fight stigma and ignorance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Parents may want to talk to teachers about their family structure, and what their child calls each parent, before the start of the school year. Attila Csaszar/Moment Collection via Getty Images

By Abbie E. Goldberg, Professor of Psychology, Clark University

Many parents want to ensure that their kids are in classrooms where they and their families are respected and embraced. However, as a psychologist and researcher who has studied LGBTQ parents' relationships with schools for over a decade, I have found that LGBTQ parents often have specific concerns when it comes to inclusion and acceptance.

"[We have] always been very upfront that we are a family with two moms," reported one parent in my research. "If the [school] was going to have an issue, we wanted to get the vibe early so we could find an alternative so our child didn't have to suffer due to their closed-mindedness."

LGBTQ parents who live in less gay-friendly communities are more likely to describe feelings of mistreatment by their children's schools. Such experiences may prompt parents to confront negative treatment.
1. Talk to the school pre-emptively "I always tell the teachers in advance that I am a transgender gestational parent 2. Get involved "My presence in these spaces is a constant reminder to the staff that there is a gay parent in the room." so they don't think my kids are lying when they say their father gave birth to them." 3. Provide input and suggestions "We bought books for the class library about different kinds of families, and arranged for PFLAG [a national advocacy group for LGBTQ+ people] and local LGBTQ groups to present to staff at our kids' schools."
Caregivers can look for classroom books that represent diverse families. Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Based on my research and surveys with hundreds of LGBTQ families, here are suggestions for how LGBTQ caregivers can advocate for themselves and their children if they run into stigma or ignorance. The statements quoted below are from various participants in my research.
4. Investigate policies
Engage the school in a conversation about your family prior to the start of the school year. Explain the basic details of your family, what your child calls each parent, and other important adults in your child's life such as the donor or birth parents. Ask if they have any questions or would like you to suggest some resources.
5. Talk to your children "We have told them that every family is different. ... We told them that some people don't understand these differences and to feel free to come to us at any time if they have questions."
Join the PTA or Diversity Committee, or attend their meetings and gradually seek out leadership positions. Volunteer in the classroom or at school events.
6. Empower your children "There's a lot of 'That's gay' or 'You're gay.' When someone says to my daughter, 'Your mom's gay,' she says, 'Actually, she is.'"
Highlight for schools where paperwork can be more inclusive, such as "Parent 1" and "Parent 2" instead of "Mother" and "Father." Provide input about how celebrations, curriculum and classroom visuals could be more inclusive of LGBTQ-parent families, or donate inclusive books or other materials.
7. Get support "We did a presentation to the first grade class. ... With the school's permission, we shared how our family was created, and other parents joined in and shared their stories as well so as to not single out our son."
Establish whether the school has procedures in place for dealing with sexist, homophobic and transphobic behavior at school. What are their policies against bullying? If sexual and gender identity and expression are not covered in such policies, advocate for including them.

Parents can empower kids to be proud of their LGBTQ family and practice ways to respond to insensitive questions or comments. FatCamera/E+ Collection via Getty Images

Check in with your children about what they are experiencing at school. Use general questions, such as "What is your teacher like?" or "Tell me about recess today." Convey that you will listen to them if something is going on at school, and you'll talk together about how to handle it.

Build your child's confidence and sense of pride. If possible, connect them to other children with LGBTQ parents. This can make a difference in terms of their self-esteem. Help them develop a repertoire of potential responses to teasing - such as telling a teacher, ignoring it or responding to an insensitive question with a straightforward set of facts. Consider outlining or role-playing possible scenarios.

Find a community of other LGBTQ parents at school, in your community or online. You may also find allies in non-LGBTQ parents who want diverse and inclusive schools.

Research has shown that attending schools where LGBTQ topics and historical figures are incorporated into the curriculum, or where there are supports for LGBTQ people, benefits the mental health and self-esteem of children with LGBTQ parents. Having classmates who also have LGBTQ parents can also help.
This article is from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news organization dedicated to sharing the knowledge of academic experts. Did you enjoy reading this article? If so, please clap for it and click the "follow" button on the top right corner of this page. Do that, and our articles, all written by expert researchers, will start popping up in your feed. Abbie E. Goldberg does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Find out more about us or subscribe to our weekly highlights.
Furthermore, children with LGBTQ parents who attend LGBTQ-inclusive schools may be less likely to experience bullying than those who attend schools with more negative environments. One study found that children of LGBTQ parents who attended schools without LGBTQ issues in the curriculum showed higher levels of withdrawn and aggressive behavior, along with more social problems.

Undoubtedly, LGBTQ parents are also thinking about the school's quality and reputation, class sizes, safety and ability to meet their children's needs and interests.

In seeking out inclusive schools and advocating for their children, LGBTQ parents should be sure to give themselves a break. It is impossible to fight or win every battle, and the reality is that LGBTQ parents should not have to fight these battles at all.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
7 tips for LGBTQ parents to help schools fight stigma and ignorance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Parents often think about a school's quality, class sizes, safety and extracurriculars. LGBTQ parents may also want to know their family will be respected.

# data[].attributes.headline
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network

# data[].attributes.subject
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In this statement, GLSEN's National Student Council condemns police brutality and calls for greater support for Black lives

Read the Statement

Get involved and join your community, local, or state GLSEN chapter

GLSEN Chapters create LGBTQ-inclusive schools. Community-led chapters offer teacher trainings, student support, community outreach, and more.

Recent Research

Research, Reports, and Briefs

Research, Reports, and Briefs

Research, Reports, and Briefs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In this statement, GLSEN's National Student Council condemns police brutality and calls for greater support for Black lives Read the Statement GLSEN Chapters create LGBTQ-inclusive schools. Community-led chapters offer teacher trainings, student support, community outreach, and more. Research, Reports, and Briefs Research, Reports, and Briefs Research, Reports, and Briefs

# data[].attributes.headline
The Safe and Supportive Schools Project 

# data[].attributes.subject
The Safe and Supportive Schools Project 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Safe and Supportive Schools Project promotes safe and supportive environments to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among adolescents. Through customized training, technical assistance and consultation, the project increases the capacity of state education agencies to help school districts create safe and supportive school environments for all students and staff. Education agencies may seek specific assistance for groups of youth at disproportionate risk, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth with an emphasis on young men who have sex with men, homeless youth and youth enrolled in alternative schools.

Safe and supportive environments are characterized by the absence of discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying. Creating safe and supportive school environments involves school personnel, leaders of community organizations, parents and youths working together to build positive, supportive and healthy environments that promote acceptance and respect. Schools can assist by implementing clear policies, procedures and activities designed to prevent bullying and violence and promote health and safety. The APA's Safe and Supportive Schools Project promotes three key strategies: preventing bullying, sexual harassment, and electronic aggression; improving school connectedness; and promoting parent engagement in schools. Suggested best practices for promoting resiliency for LGBT students in schools are also available.

The Safe and Supportive Schools Project partners with five professional organizations to promote the leadership of school-based counselors, nurses, psychologists and social workers in establishing safe and supportive schools environments for all students and staff.

Updates and New Resources

Contact Safe and Supportive Schools Project

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Safe and Supportive Schools Project (SSSP) promotes safe and supportive environments to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, teen pregnancy and related risk behaviors among adolescents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
HRC's Welcoming Schools LGBTQ+ School Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Develop safe and welcoming schools for LGBTQ+ students. Find recommendations for great diverse LGBTQ+ books and lesson plans. Check out our comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention program providing LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive professional development training.

# data[].attributes.headline
Just the Facts about Sexual Orientation and Youth

# data[].attributes.subject
Just the Facts about Sexual Orientation and Youth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The APA and the other 12 organizations that comprise the Just the Facts Coalition have just published a new edition of Just the Facts about Sexual Orientation and Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators, and School Personnel. (PDF, 254 KB) This group of national education, health, mental health, and religious organizations believe that all students should have an opportunity to learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. Just the Facts provides information and resources for principals, educators, and school personnel who confront sensitive issues involving gay, lesbian, and bisexual students.
Sólo los hechos sobre la orientación sexual y la Juventud en Español
The information in this booklet has been developed by a coalition of education, health, mental health, and religious organizations that share a concern for the health and education of all students in schools, including lesbian, gay and bisexual students.* We know you also share this concern - that all students have an opportunity to learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment.

The reason for publishing this booklet now is to provide you, as principals, educators, and school personnel, with accurate information that will help you respond to a recent upsurge in promotion of efforts to change sexual orientation through therapy and religious ministries. This upsurge has been coupled with a demand that these perspectives on homosexuality be given equal time in schools.

Sexual orientation conversion therapy refers to counseling and psychotherapy to attempt to eliminate individuals' sexual desires for members of their own sex. Ex-gay ministry refers to the religious groups that use religion to attempt to eliminate those desires. Typically, sexual orientation conversion therapy is promoted by providers who have close ties to religious institutions and organizations. Some religion-based organizations such as Focus on the Family have invested significant resources in the promotion of sexual orientation conversion therapy and ex-gay ministries to educators and young people in conferences, in advertising and in the media.

This booklet provides information from physicians, counselors, social workers, psychologists, legal experts, and educators who are knowledgeable about the development of sexual orientation in youth and the issues raised by sexual orientation conversion therapy and ex-gay ministry. We hope that you and others who care about and work with youth will review the factual and scientific information provided here and weigh it carefully in responding to controversies about sexual orientation when they arise in your school.

* The coalition is aware that it is becoming common to include "transgender" when one refers to "lesbian, gay, and bisexual." However, the coalition decided that it was not accurate in this instance to make that addition, because the subject is the promotion of therapies and ministries to change sexual orientation (attraction to the other sex, to one's own sex or to both), not gender identity (psychological experience of being male or female). The coalition notes that the two populations of youths are not mutually exclusive. Some lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are transgender. Furthermore, those whose appearance and behavior are perceived as inconsistent with gender norms and roles are often targeted for sexual orientation discrimination and violence. By not including transgender in this booklet, the coalition in no way intends to minimize the real concerns for the safety and well-being of transgender adolescents in schools. We have tried to include resources relevant to transgender youth in the Resources section (pp. 17-19).

Sexual Orientation Development

Sexual orientation is an enduring emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction that one feels toward men, toward women or toward both. Although sexual orientation ranges along a continuum, it is generally discussed in terms of heterosexual - attraction to the other sex - homosexual -attraction to the same sex - and bisexual -attraction to both sexes. Sexual orientation has not been conclusively found to be determined by any particular factor or factors, and the timing of the emergence, recognition, and expression of one's sexual orientation varies among individuals.

Sexual orientation is not synonymous with sexual activity. Many adolescents as well as adults may identify themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual without having had any sexual experience with persons of the same sex. Other young people have had sexual experiences with a person of the same sex but do not consider themselves lesbian, gay, or bisexual. This is particularly relevant during adolescence because experimentation and discovery are normal and common during this developmental period.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents follow developmental pathways that are both similar to and different from those of heterosexual adolescents. All teenagers face certain developmental challenges, such as developing social skills, thinking about career choices and fitting into a peer group. Like most heterosexual youths, most lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths are healthy individuals who have significant attachments to and make contributions to their families, peers, schools, and religious institutions.

However, lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth must also cope with the prejudice, discrimination, and violence in society and, in some cases, in their own families, schools, and communities. Such marginalization negatively affects the health, mental health, and education of those lesbian, gay, and bisexual young people who experience it. For example, in one study, these students were more likely than heterosexual students to report missing school due to fear, being threatened by other students, and having their property damaged at school. ¹ The promotion in schools of efforts to change sexual orientation by therapy or through religious ministries seems likely to exacerbate the risk of harassment, harm, and fear for these youth.

One result of the isolation and lack of support experienced by some lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth is higher rates of emotional distress, ² suicide attempts ³, and risky sexual behavior and substance use. ⁴ Because their legitimate fear of being harassed or hurt may reduce the willingness of lesbian, gay and bisexual youths to ask for help, it is important that their school environments be open and accepting so these young people will feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns, including the option of disclosing their sexual orientation to others. Such disclosure is an expression of a normal tendency to want to share personal information about oneself with important others and should be respected as such. It is healthy for teenagers to share with friends and families their "latest crush" or how they spent their weekend. To be able to provide an accepting environment, school personnel need to understand the nature of sexual orientation development and be supportive of healthy development for all youth. If school environments become more positive for lesbian, gay, and bisexual students, it is likely that their differences in health, mental health, and substance abuse risks will decrease. ⁵

Efforts to Change Sexual Orientation Through Therapy

The terms reparative therapy and sexual orientation conversion therapy refer to counseling and psychotherapy aimed at eliminating or suppressing homosexuality. The most important fact about these "therapies" is that they are based on a view of homosexuality that has been rejected by all the major mental health professions. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, six published by the American Psychiatric Association, which defines the standards of the field, does not include homosexuality. All other major health professional organizations have supported the American Psychiatric Association in its declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973. Thus, the idea that homosexuality is a mental disorder or that the emergence of same-sex attraction and orientation among some adolescents is in any way abnormal or mentally unhealthy has no support among any mainstream health and mental health professional organizations.

Despite the general consensus of major medical, health, and mental health professions that both heterosexuality and homosexuality are normal expressions of human sexuality, efforts to change sexual orientation through therapy have been adopted by some political and religious organizations and aggressively promoted to the public. However, such efforts have serious potential to harm young people because they present the view that the sexual orientation of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth is a mental illness or disorder, and they often frame the inability to change one's sexual orientation as a personal and moral failure. ⁷

Because of the aggressive promotion of efforts to change sexual orientation through therapy, a number of medical, health, and mental health professional organizations have issued public statements about the dangers of this approach. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Counseling Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the American School Counselor Association, the National Association of School Psychologists and the National Association of Social Workers together, representing more than 480,000 mental health professionals, have all taken the position that homosexuality is not a mental disorder and thus is not something that needs to or can be "cured."

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises youth that counseling may be helpful for you if you feel confused about your sexual identity. Avoid any treatments that claim to be able to change a person's sexual orientation, or treatment ideas that see homosexuality as a sickness. ⁸

The American Counseling Association adopted a resolution in 1998 stating that it opposes portrayals of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth and adults as mentally ill due to their sexual orientation; and supports the dissemination of accurate information about sexual orientation, mental health, and appropriate interventions in order to counteract bias that is based on ignorance or unfounded beliefs about same-gender sexual orientation.⁹ Further, in April 1999, the ACA Governing Council adopted a position opposing the promotion of "reparative therapy" as a "cure" for individuals who are homosexual. ¹⁰

In addition, ACA's Code of Ethics states:
Counselors use techniques/procedures/modalities that are grounded in theory and/or have an empirical or scientific foundation. Counselors who do not must define the techniques/procedures as "unproven" or "developing" and explain the potential risks and ethical considerations of using such techniques/procedures and take steps to protect clients from possible harm. ¹¹

The American Psychiatric Association, in its 2000 position statement on "reparative" therapy, states:
Psychotherapeutic modalities to convert or "repair" homosexuality are based on developmental theories whose scientific validity is questionable. Furthermore, anecdotal reports of "cures" are counterbalanced by anecdotal claims of psychological harm. In the last four decades, "reparative" therapists have not produced any rigorous scientific research to substantiate their claims of cure. Until there is such research available, [the American Psychiatric Association] recommends that ethical practitioners refrain from attempts to change individuals' sexual orientation, keeping in mind the medical dictum to first, do no harm.
The potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient. Many patients who have undergone reparative therapy relate that they were inaccurately told that homosexuals are lonely, unhappy individuals who never achieve acceptance or satisfaction. The possibility that the person might achieve happiness and satisfying interpersonal relationships as a gay man or lesbian is not presented, nor are alternative approaches to dealing with the effects of societal stigmatization discussed.
Therefore, the American Psychiatric Association opposes any psychiatric treatment, such as reparative or conversion therapy which is based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a priori assumption that the patient should change his/her sexual homosexual orientation. ¹²

The American Psychological Association, in its 1997 Resolution on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation, which is also endorsed by the National Association of School Psychologists, states:
That the American Psychological Association opposes portrayals of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth and adults as mentally ill due to their sexual orientation and supports the dissemination of accurate information about sexual orientation and mental health and appropriate interventions in order to counteract bias that is based in ignorance or unfounded beliefs about sexual orientation. ¹³

The American School Counselor Association, in its position statement on professional school counselors and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning youth, states: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning (LGBTQ) youth often begin to experience self-identification during their pre-adolescent or adolescent years, as do heterosexual youth. These developmental processes are essential cognitive, emotional and social activities, and although they may have an impact on student development and achievement, they are not a sign of illness, mental disorder or emotional problems nor do they necessarily signify sexual activity. . . .
It is not the role of the professional school counselor to attempt to change a student's sexual orientation/gender identity but instead to provide support to LGBTQ students to promote student achievement and personal well-being. . . .
Recognizing that sexual orientation is not an illness and does not require treatment, professional school counselors may provide individual student planning or responsive services to LGBTQ students to promote self-acceptance, deal with social acceptance, understand issues related to "coming out," including issues that families may face when a student goes through this process, and identify appropriate community resources. ¹⁴

The National Association of Social Workers, in its policy statement on lesbian, gay and bisexual issues, states that it endorses policies in both the public and private sectors that ensure nondiscrimination; that are sensitive to the health and mental health needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual people; and that promote an understanding of lesbian, gay and bisexual cultures. Social stigmatization of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people is widespread and is a primary motivating factor in leading some people to seek sexual orientation changes. ¹⁵ Sexual orientation conversion therapies assume that homosexual orientation is both pathological and freely chosen. No data demonstrate that reparative or conversion therapies are effective, and in fact they may be harmful. ¹⁶ NASW believes social workers have the responsibility to clients to explain the prevailing knowledge concerning sexual orientation and the lack of data reporting positive outcomes with reparative therapy. NASW discourages social workers from providing treatments designed to change sexual orientation or from referring practitioners or programs that claim to do so. ¹⁷ NASW reaffirms its stance against reparative therapies and treatments designed to change sexual orientation or to refer practitioners or programs that claim to do so. ¹⁸

As these statements make clear, the nation's leading professional medical, health and mental health organizations do not support efforts to change young people's sexual orientation through therapy and have raised serious concerns about the potential harm from such efforts. Many of the professional associations listed in the Resources section (pp. 17-19) can provide helpful information and local contacts to assist school administrators, health, and mental health professionals, educators, teachers, and parents in dealing with school controversies in their communities.

Efforts to Change Sexual Orientation Through Religious Ministries

Ex-gay ministry and transformational ministry are terms used to describe efforts by some religious individuals and organizations to change sexual orientation through religious ministries. These individuals and organizations tend to have negative attitudes toward homosexuality that are based in their particular religious perspectives. In general, efforts to change sexual orientation through religious ministries take the approach that sexual orientation can be changed through repentance and faith. In addition, some individuals and groups who promote efforts to change sexual orientation through therapy are also associated with religious perspectives that take a negative attitude toward homosexuality.

Because ex-gay and transformational ministries usually characterize homosexuality as sinful or evil, promotion in schools of such ministries or of therapies associated with such ministries would likely exacerbate the risk of marginalization, harassment, harm, and fear experienced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual students. In addition, the religious content of ministries and related therapies also raise legal issues, which are addressed in the next section.

Relevant Legal Principles

Public school officials are the targets of those who want to include information about efforts to change sexual orientation through therapy and religious ministry in the schools. In order to respond, public school officials should be aware of general legal principles concerning the rights of their lesbian, gay and bisexual students. This awareness is important because of the risk that these "treatments" may cause harm to young people and of the potential legal liability for school districts and officials. A number of federal, state and local laws and school district policies protect lesbian, gay and bisexual students from discrimination, harassment, and similar harms.

Two important principles from the U.S. Constitution apply to every public school in the country. They are:

(a) The First Amendment, which includes the separation of church and state and the protection of freedom of speech.

(b) The Fourteenth Amendment, which includes the guarantee of equal treatment under the law for all people.

The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibits public schools from promoting, endorsing or inhibiting religion or attempting to impose particular religious beliefs on students. ¹⁹ For this reason, a public school counselor or teacher cannot proselytize to students or attempt to impose his or her religious beliefs about whether or not homosexuality is sinful. ²⁰ Because of the religious nature of ex-gay or transformational ministry, endorsement, or promotion of such ministry by officials or employees of a public school district in a school-related context would likely arise constitutional questions. Thus, schools should be careful to avoid discussions of transformational ministry in their curriculum.

Apart from their obligation to avoid religious advocacy, public schools have considerable leeway in developing their curriculum. As long as the school's instructional activity does not inculcate a religious view about homosexuality, the choice of instructional materials about homosexuality does not infringe on freedom of religion. ²¹ Public schools may determine, as part of their instructional activity, not to disseminate information to students when that information is not well-founded or is inadequately researched, scientifically unsound, or biased in some way. ²² As the foregoing discussion of the concerns and policies of health and mental health professionals clearly illustrates, school officials should be deeply concerned about the validity and bias of materials or presentations that promote a change to a person's sexual orientation as a "cure" or suggest that being lesbian, gay or bisexual is a sickness or a mental illness. School officials routinely consider the views of professional experts in determining which educational and instructional materials to use in their schools, and in this case those views strongly advise against any curriculum that suggests that therapy to change sexual orientation has scientific validity or that homosexuality is a disorder that should be "cured."

It is also important to note that a school's legal obligations under the Establishment Clause may be different when it creates a forum for outside speakers to present to students, or when it invites students to speak about topics on their own. In those cases, depending on the individual context, school districts may not be able to forbid certain speakers who wish to express their viewpoints at such events. ²³

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual students, like all other students, are protected by the Fourteenth Amendment and statutory requirements of equal treatment under the law. The Supreme Court has made clear that under the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of equal protection under the law, public officials may not impose discriminatory burdens or unequal treatment on lesbians and gays because of public animosity toward them. ²⁴ In the public school setting, this means, among other things, that a school district must protect students from anti-gay harassment just as it protects students from other kinds of harassment. ²⁵ In 2003, a California school district paid $1.1 million to six students who alleged their classmates repeatedly harassed them because of their sexual orientation and the school administration did not adequately address the harassment. ²⁶

Consistent with this mandate of equal treatment, schools should be careful to avoid curriculum choices that may single out and stigmatize lesbian, gay and bisexual students and foster a disapproving attitude toward them. The legal mandate of equality for gay and non-gay students alike is not limited to circumstances of harassment - it applies to all decisions a public school official might make that would treat lesbian, gay, and bisexual students differently based on their sexual orientation. School officials should follow the law by ensuring that the factor of real or perceived sexual orientation does not result in a decision that treats these students differently from other students. As an example, even outside the curricular setting, students have formed over 3,000 gay-straight alliances in schools. ²⁷ The federal Equal Access Act ²⁸ requires secondary schools to treat the gay-straight alliance the same as any other "non-curriculum-related" student club allowed to meet on campus. ²⁹

These general legal principles, supplemented by consultation with the school's legal counsel, should be helpful in the important and sometimes difficult decisions that educators must make in order to serve all students-including those who are lesbian, gay or bisexual.

Endnotes

¹ Garofalo, R., Wolf, R. C., Kessel, S., Palfrey, J., & Du Rant, R. H. (1998). The association between health risk behaviors and sexual orientation among a school-based sample of adolescents. Pediatrics, 101, 895-902.

² Resnick, M.D., Bearman, P. S., Blum, R.W., Bauman, K. E.,Harris,K. S., Jones, J., et al. (1997). Protecting adolescents from harm: Findings from the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health. Journal of the American Medical Association, 278, 823-832.

³ Garofalo et al. (1998); Remafedi, G., Frendh, S., Story, M., Resnick, M. D., & Blum, R. (1998). The relationship between suicide risk and sexual orientation: Results of a population-based study. American Journal of Public Health, 88, 57-60.

⁴ Garofalo et al. (1998); Resnick et al. (1997).

⁵ Blake, S.M., Ledsky, R., Lehman, T., Goodenow, C., Sawyer, R., & Hack, T. (2001). Preventing sexual risk behaviors among gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents: The benefits of gay-sensitive HIV instruction in schools. American Journal of Public Health, 91, 940-946; Goodenow, C., Szalacha, L., & Westheimer, K. (2006). School support groups, other school factors, and the safety of sexual minority adolescents. Psychology in the Schools, 43, 573-589; Safren, S. A., & Heimberg, R. G. (1999). Depression, hopelessness, suicidality, and related factors in sexual minority and heterosexual adolescents. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology®, 67, 859-866.

⁶ American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, text revision (4th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.

⁷ Schroeder, M., & Shidlo, A. (2001). Ethical issues in sexual orientation conversion therapies: An empirical study of consumers. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Psychotherapy, 5, 131-166; Shidlo, A., & Schroeder, M. (2002). Changing sexual orientation: A consumer's report. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice®, 33, 249-259.

⁸ American Academy of Pediatrics. (2001). Gay, lesbian and bisexual teens: Facts for teens and their parents [Pamphlet]. Elk Grove, IL: Author.

⁹ Resolution adopted by American Counseling Association Governing Council, March 1998.

¹⁰ Action by American Counseling Association Governing Council, April 1999.

¹¹ American Counseling Association. (2005). Code of ethics (pp. 11-12). Alexandria, VA: Author. See www.counseling.org/Resources/CodeOfEthics/TP/Home/CT2.aspx

¹² American Psychiatric Association. (1998). "Reparative" therapy [Position statement]. Washington, D.C.: Author.

¹³ DeLeon, P. H. (1998). Proceedings of the American Psychological Association, Inc., for the legislative year 1997,minutes of the annual meeting of the Council of Representatives August 14 and 17, 1997, Chicago, IL, and minutes of the June, August, and December 1997 meetings of the Board of Directors. American Psychologist®, 53, 882-939.

¹⁴ American School Counselor Association. (2007). Position statement: Gay, lesbian, transgendered, and questioning youth [Adopted 1995, revised 2000, 2005, 2007]. See www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?contentid=217

¹⁵ Haldeman, D.C. (1994). The practice and ethics of sexual orientation conversion therapy. Journal of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, 62, 221-227.

¹⁶ Davison, G. C. (1991). Constructionism and morality in therapy for homosexuality. In J. C. Gonsiorek & J. D.Weinrich (Eds.), Homosexuality: Research implications for public policy. Newbury Park, CA: Sage; Gonsiorek, J. C., & Weinrich, J. D. (Eds.). (1991). Homosexuality: Research implications for public policy. Newbury Park, CA: Sage; Haldeman (1994).

¹⁷ National Association of Social Workers. (1997). Policy statement: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues [approved by NASW Delegate Assembly, August 1996]. In Social work speaks: NASW policy (4th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.

¹⁸ National Association of Social Workers. (2006). Social work speaks: NASW policy statements 2006-2009 (7th ed., p. 248). Washington, D.C.: Author.

¹⁹ Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971).

²⁰ See Peloza v. Capistrano Unified School Dist., 37 F.3d 517, 522 (9th Cir. 1994) (noting that "[t]o permit [a public high school teacher] to discuss his religious beliefs with students during school time on school grounds would violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment").

²¹ See Morrison v. Board of Education of Boyd County, Ky., 419 F. Supp. 2d 937, 942-46 (E.D. Ky. 2006); Parker v. Hurley, No. 06-10751-MLW- F. Supp. 2d -, 2007WL 543017 (D. Mass. Feb. 23, 2007).

²² See Edwards v. California Univ. of Pa., 156 F.3d 488, 491 (3d Cir. 1998) (public schools generally have right to determine own curriculum); see also Downs v. Los Angeles Unified School Dist., 228 F.3d 1003, 1014-16 (9th Cir. 2000) (same).

²³ See Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).

²⁴ Romer v. Evans, 517 U.S. 620 (1996); Flores v. Morgan Hill Unified School District, 324 F.3d 1130, 1037-38 (9th Cir. 2003); Nabozny v. Podlesny, 92 F.3d 446 (7th Cir. 1996).

²⁵ See Flores v. Morgan Hill, 324 F.3d at 1037-38 (holding that school may be liable).

²⁶ Pogash, C. (2004, Jan. 7). California school district settles harassment suit by gay students. The New York Times, p. A19.

²⁷ See GLSEN'sWeb site at www.glsen.org/cgibin/iowa/student/student/index.html

²⁸ 20 U.S.C. §§ 4071-4074 (2007). The act mandates that whenever a public secondary school "grants an offering to or opportunity for one or more noncurriculum related student groups to meet on school premises during noninstructional time," then the school may not "deny equal access or a fair opportunity to, or discriminate against any students who wish to conduct a meeting within that limited open forum on the basis of the religious, political, philosophical, or other content of the speech at such meetings" (§ 4071[a], [b]).

²⁹ For example, Straights and Gays for Equality v. Osseo Area Schools - District No. 279, 471 F.3d 908 (8th Cir. 2006); Boyd County High School Gay Straight Alliance v. Board of Education of Boyd County, Ky., 258 F. Supp. 2d 667 (E.D. Ky. 2003).

Resources

This booklet provides some basic information that will help you prepare for controversies that your school may experience in the future. You may, however, want to go beyond the information provided here. Many schools have begun to work to improve counseling, health, mental health, and psychological services, curricula, and climate so that the educational and health needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youths are better served. The following resources will be helpful if you or your staff undertake such efforts.

Federal Agencies

U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
Customer Service Team
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1100
Office: 1-800-421-3481
Fax: 202-245-6840
TDD: 877-521-2172
Email

This office's mission is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement of civil rights. They have an extensive list of publications at their website and offer other technical assistance through the contact information listed above.

Safe and Drug Free Schools Program Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools
400 Maryland Avenue, SW,
Rm 3E300
Washington, DC 20202-6450
Office: 202-260-3954
Fax: 202-260-7767
Email

This office is charged with assisting the Department of Education in reaching the seventh national education goal-that schools will be free of drugs and violence and the unauthorized presence of firearms and alcohol and will offer a disciplined environment that is conducive to learning. It has several publications available through the contact information cited above,
including through the website

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Bureau of Primary Health Care
Division of Programs for Special
Populations
4350 East-West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814
Office: 301-594-4100

In 1994, the HRSA Division of Programs for Special Populations convened a conference on the primary health care and prevention needs of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. Out of that
conference evolved a health and mental health provider guide that educators and parents can also use:

Ryan, C., & Futterman, D. (1998). Lesbian and gay youth: Care and counseling. New York: Columbia University Press.

Non-Governmental Organizations

American Psychiatric Association 1000 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1825
Arlington, VA 22209-3901
Phone: 703-907-7300
Fax: 703-907-1085

Mental Health America (MHA)
(formerly the National Mental Health Association)
2000 N. Beauregard Street, 6th Fl.
Alexandria, VA 22311
Office: 703-684-7722
Toll free: 800-969-6642
TTY: 800-433-5959
Fax: 703-684-5968

MHA Resources:

What Does Gay Mean? is an anti-bullying program designed to improve understanding and respect for youth who are gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender. Centered on an educational booklet called What Does Gay Mean? How to Talk With Kids About Sexual Orientation and Prejudice, the program encourages parents and others to communicate and share values of respect with their children.

Medical/Health Organizations

AAP Resources:

National Association of School Nurses, Inc.
8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 420
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Office: 240-821-1130
Toll free: 866-627-6767
Fax: 301-585-1791
Email

Education Organizations

National Association of Secondary School Principals
1904 Association Drive
Reston,VA 20191-1537
Office: 703-860-0200

NSBA Resource:

Faith Organizations

Other National Organizations Serving Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth

Human Rights Campaign
1640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036-3278
Office: 202-628-4160
Toll free: 1-800-727-4723
Fax: 202-347-5323
Email

Task Force Resource:

What Is the Just the Facts Coalition?

In November 1998, Focus on the Family sponsored a conference near Columbus, Ohio, with the goal of encouraging the promotion of "reparative therapy" programs in public schools. Staff from the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) attended this event and were concerned about the false and misleading information that had been presented. In December 1998, Kate Frankfurt, GLSEN's director of advocacy, shared the content of this initiative and discussed the November conference with a number of national education, health, and mental health organizations at a meeting in Washington, DC. These organizations, recognizing the negative implications of this initiative and the potential threat it posed to the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, and bisexual students, began meeting regularly to develop a resource to aid school officials in sorting through the information and misinformation on sexual orientation development and on "reparative therapy."

The first edition of this publication was the result of the work of the groups who participated in those meetings during the spring and summer of 1999 and was published in November 1999.

In June 2006, in the wake of a renewed effort that targeted schools for "equal time" for "reparative therapy" and "ex-gay ministries," the Just the Facts Coalition, with several new members, decided to revise, update, and republish Just the Facts. The current edition is the result of their efforts. Among the groups that have participated in this work and have officially endorsed this publication are:

American Academy of Pediatrics

American Association of School Administrators

American Counseling Association

American Federation of Teachers

American Psychological Association

American School Counselor Association

American School Health Association

Interfaith Alliance

National Association of School Psychologists

National Association of Secondary School Principals

National Association of Social Workers

National Education Association

School Social Work Association of America

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Just the facts about sexual orientation and youth: A primer for school personnel

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The APA and the other 12 organizations that comprise the Just the Facts Coalition have just published a new edition of Just the Facts about Sexual Orientation and Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators, and School Personnel .

# data[].attributes.headline
Advocating for LGBTQ Students with Disabilities

# data[].attributes.subject
Advocating for LGBTQ Students with Disabilities

# data[].attributes.headline
Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth With Disabilities and Their Families

# data[].attributes.subject
Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth With Disabilities and Their Families

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
UIC Division of Specialized Care for Children - We partner with Illinois families and communities to help children and youth with special healthcare needs connect to services and resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth With Disabilities and Their Families - UIC Division of Specialized Care for Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We partner with Illinois families and communities to help children and youth with special healthcare needs connect to services and resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
TGEA Support and Community Building Groups
(Click Contact name for email link)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We know that LGBTQ patients face unique health challenges, including higher rates of depression, suicide, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection. That's why we're one of the few clinics in the nation providing comprehensive primary and mental healthcare to LGBTQ youth and young adults between the ages of 12 to 22.

Led by Lawrence D'Angelo, MD, MPH, one of the nation's foremost specialists in adolescent medicine, our care is delivered by specialists with expertise in the needs of LGBTQ communities.

Specialized Care for Transgender Youth in One Location

In a safe and affirming environment, we provide affordable, high-quality health and wellness care, including physicals, hormonal treatment and mental health counseling for transgender and gender-nonconforming youth. Our services follow the standards of care established by the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH).

In addition to low-cost primary care and specialty care services, our compassionate team offers:

Hormone replacement therapy

STD/STI treatment and PrEP (HIV prevention pill)

Individual and family therapy for transgender youth

Support and education about LGBTQ issues for families

A care relationship that continues with adolescents until they're 22 years old

Comprehensive, integrated mental healthcare services

Care from a Specially Trained Team

Because we are dedicated to offering compassionate care to anyone who walks through our doors, every member of our care team, including physicians, nurses and social workers, has undergone LGBTQ cultural training through our nationally-recognized LGBTQ Health Education Program.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Youth Pride Clinic | Children's National Hospital

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Youth Pride Clinic provides primary and specialty care to adolescent LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) patients.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Trevor Project | For Young LGBTQ Lives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Trevor Project provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people. Text, chat, or call anytime to reach a trained counselor. Free and confidential.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Sign up for updates and support sexual equality for youth:

By including your phone number, you are opting-in to receive recurring advocacy text messages from Advocates for Youth. Please see our Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy. Text STOP to opt-out, HELP for more info. No purchase necessary. Message & Data Rates May Apply.

Join the movement of young people working to protect our health and lives

Get Started

We'll give you the tools you need to organize in your community.

Donate Now

Support youth activists working for reproductive and sexual health and rights.

Act Out!

A national network of young people fighting back against LGBTQ attacks

Youth Abortion Support Collective (YouthASC)

Too many already face barriers to abortion care, including restrictions, travel, and cost. We all need to become experts on how to get an abortion and how to connect other folks to abortion care.

The Condom Collective

Condom Collective members care about access to quality condoms on their campuses. Each year, they've given out 1 million+ Trojan™ Condoms on college campuses across the United States.

Sexual Violence

Know Your IX

Know Your IX is a survivor- and youth-led project that aims to empower students to end sexual and dating violence in their schools.

National Youth HIV & AIDS Day

National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD), annually on April 10th, is a day to educate the public about the impact of HIV and AIDS on young people. The day also highlights the HIV prevention, t

Honest Sex Education

AMAZE

AMAZE takes the awkward out of sex ed. Real info in fun, animated videos that give young people all the answers they actually want to know about sex, their bodies and relationships.

Featured Youth Activists

Beau fights to #FreeThePill

"The reality is that inequalities have always existed and remain in our healthcare system, affecting our ability to access essential care like birth control.

-

Rights, Respect, Responsibility: A K-12 Sex Education Curriculum

Rights, Respect, Responsibility fully meets the National Sexuality Education Standards. The curriculum seeks to address both the functional knowledge related to sexuality and the specific skills necessary to adopt healthy behaviors.

Young Parents' Advocacy Toolkit

This guide is designed for you, the young parent who wants to organize in your community for change. It contains tips and tools gathered from other young parents across the U.S. who are working on issues that matter to them.

Youth Activist Toolkit

The new Youth Activist Toolkit was developed with youth writers and activists to be a detailed guide to help young people develop a plan, organize a coalition, and define and implement strategies to achieve measurable social impact goals.

Future of Sex Education: National Sex Education Standards (Second Edition)

The Latest

Statement on 2023 School Board Election Outcomes Across the Country

Media, Statement / November 08, 2023

Celebrating the Win for Abortion Rights in Ohio

Media, Statement / November 08, 2023

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Advocates for Youth works alongside thousands of young people here in the U.S. and around the globe as they fight for sexual health, rights and justice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Safe Space NOVA is dedicated to providing a safe, accepting, and supportive environment to combat social stigmas, bullying, and other challenges faced by

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Center is the largest LGBT community center on the East Coast. Founded in 1983 The Center provides programs, services, and spaces for health, wellness, and community connection.