Creating More Welcoming Environments For LGBTQ+ Teens And College Students
Meet the Experts
Dr. Deb Cohan
Dr. Deb Cohan, Assistant Professor of Sociology at University of South Carolina Beaufort with a specialization in Gender Studies. Former Board of Directors member at PFLAG.
Eugene Patron
Eugene Patron serves as the communications and marketing director for the Point Foundation. He focuses on creating connections and awareness and building support for a variety of causes and communities.
Introduction
According to theNational School Climate Report, 86 percent of LGBTQ youth reported being harassed at school, compared to 27 percent of students overall. School years can be challenging for all students, yet those who identify as LGBTQ often face additional pressures or concerns. Within this guide, LGBTQ students can find resources and information about support systems available to help them navigate both high school and college environments.
A Safe Place to Learn
Incidents can take many forms, including physical harassment, emotional or mental abuse, stronger violence, or discrimination. As the Internet has grown to include the use of various social media platforms, cyber bullying has become an issue.Bullying Statisticsfound that 42 percent of LGBTQ youth have experienced cyber bullying, a rate three times higher than other students.
There is hope to shift the tide;GLSENfound that half of all youth don't understand that discriminatory language is hurtful, nor do they realize the negative consequences their words have specifically on LGBTQ youth. A few things everyone can do to maximize support for LGBTQ teens and college students include:
Create a supportive community
1 Many schools have student or faculty-led groups that champion and empower the LGBTQ community and align them with straight allies. These groups often promote advocacy and education for the larger student body and provide an outlet for socializing, finding support and encouragement, and talking about the challenges faced on and off campus.
LGBTQ students are also encouraged to seek out mentors on their campus who can not only speak to higher administration on their behalf, but also provide a listening ear and an older voice on the challenges they commonly face.
Create a supportive school campus
2 As further statistics and research emerge about the damaging effects of LGBTQ discrimination on school campuses, many are taking an active stance against prejudiced behavior. Whether enacting policies and disciplinary protocol for those who engage in this behavior or educating all students about the importance of equal rights for all students, a number of colleges are leading the charge in shifting thought and action. These institutions often have LGBTQ offices that encourage student advocacy, alumni relations, media awareness, and faculty support. These organizations may also hose events to educate the wider campus and provide counseling services to students facing discrimination.Advocatepulled together a list of the Top 10 trans-friendly colleges in America.
Build outside resources
3 Outside of campus-based programs and offices, there are many local community and online resources that help to create more welcoming learning and living environments for LGBTQ students. Whether operating as a national organization with local chapters or an individual center, these programs will often work alongside colleges to help students find housing, employment, and healthcare services.
LGBTQ+ Resources for All Students
In addition to numerous LGBTQ organizations focused on particular age groups, many general programs and initiatives exist, which seek to bolster community, encourage positive dialog, and ultimately security greater equality. Some of the best nationally recognized initiatives are listed in this section.
- CenterLink
Founded with the mission to build sustainable LGBTQ community centers, this organization now has over 200 locations in 46 states and five countries. Aside from strengthening local LGBTQ communities, the organization also provides networking, technical assistance and training, and capacity building services.
- GLAAD
With a national focus on leading conversations about equality for the LGBTQ community and informing the media narrative, this organization works with news and entertainment media of all formats and communications and digital strategy outlets to ensure the public is provided with powerful stories about the LGBTQ community that advocates for greater equality.
- Gay & Lesbian International Sport Association
With an international reach, GLISA brings together international sports federations, human rights organizations, associations representing sport teams, clubs from major regions, and other stakeholders to facilitate partnerships for building bridges between sports and the LGBTQ community.
- Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network
GLSEN's mission is simple: to ensure every member of school communities feel respected, regardless of their sexual orientation. This is accomplished through educating teachers, students and the public about the common pressures faced by LGBTQ students and working to remove barriers to success.
- Get Equal
GE focuses on equipping the LGBTQ community and their allies to fight against inequalities and to push for progressive change. Whether organizing direct action efforts, hosting local community meetings, training members in tactics of direct action or providing professional consulting, the organization is committed to continuously fighting for equality.
- Human Rights Campaign
HRC is the largest organization fighting for the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. The organization currently has over 1.5 million members, all focused on making true equality for all possible. The organization has a number of research publications outlining equality indexes on areas such as healthcare, employers, states and corporations.
- Matthew Shepard Foundation
By erasing hate and building compassionate and accepting communities, the Matthew Shepard Foundation hopes to empower LGBTQ individuals to challenge and address discriminatory behavior in their schools, neighborhoods and homes.
- National Center for Transgender Equality
Identifying as America's premier social justice advocacy organization for transgender individuals, NCTE works at the federal, state and local levels to leverage political capital and change laws encouraging discriminatory behavior. The organization has a particularly helpful “Know Your Rights” section of their website with information on housing, healthcare, employment, and more.
- National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
Since 1973, NGLTF has focused on building the political capital of the LGBTQ community through activist training, advancing pro-LGBT legislation and raising the profile of LGBTQ interests and causes. The organization is also an excellent resource for learning about the beliefs and platforms of those running for public office in regards to LGBTQ interests.
- PFLAG
Through support, education and advocacy efforts, PFLAG seeks to unite the LGBTQ community with friends, families and allies. By doing so, the organization hopes to further equality efforts and lessen discriminatory practices. Currently, there are more than 350 chapters and over 200,000 members.
- TransYouth Family Allies
TYFA is focused on supporting children and families to create support systems offering encouragement and acceptance regardless of sexual orientation. Main areas of work include educating the public about discrimination, working to eliminate oppression and violence, and forming alliances to ensure support services are in place for LGBTQ individuals.
The organization has a number of outreach initiatives and resources to accomplish this mission.
LGBTQ+ Teens
Research has shown that LGBTQ students, no matter their level of education, have historically faced higher levels of discrimination than their straight peers. These numbers tend to be at their highest during the middle and high school years. A groundbreaking report by theHuman Rights Campaignfound that LGBTQ youth are twice as likely to have been physically assaulted, kicked or shoved at school. Meanwhile, 92 percent of LGBTQ students say they hear negative messages about being LGBTQ. Top sources for negative comments include school, the Internet and fellow students.
No student should ever have to experience discrimination or negative behavior, regardless of their sexual orientation. This becomes increasingly important as students start thinking about post-secondary options. A recentreportfound that nearly 14 percent of LGBTQ students who receive frequent verbal harassment decide not to go to college. Fortunately, many people believe this and countless organizations are working on behalf of LGBTQ teens to ensure these behaviors are eradicated over time. It's working: 77 percent of LGBTQ youth said they know things will get better. Below, students and their allies can find helpful resources and information to support them through these years.
- The Attic Youth Center
This Philadelphia-based organization is an excellent example of how LGBTQ youth centers can empower and inspire local teens that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning. Some of the services offered include life skills, mental health counseling, supportive programs, community engagement, and social activities. AYC also provides a number of resources at both the local and national level.
- Gay Straight Alliance Networks
GSAs are student run clubs operating in both high school and middle schools that provide support, socialization, and activism activities for LGBTQ youth. The overarching goal is to fight against homophobia and transphobia; providing leadership and activist training for group members and encouraging them to advocate for nondiscriminatory policies and greater equality accomplishes this.
- International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Youth and Student Organization
IGLYO is an internationally focused advocacy and activism organization focused on representing the interests of LGBTQ youth. To accomplish this mission, the organization hosts conferences, provides educational materials, and offers the general public many opportunities to get involved.
- It Gets Better Project
The mission of the IGB Project is to give LGBT youth across the world hope that things do get better. In response to raised incidents of students committing suicide after being bullied in school, syndicated columnist Dan Savage created the organization to provide both inspiration and resources, including pledges and educational videos.
- The Trevor Project
With suicide rates noticeably higher among LGBTQ youth than their straight peers, the mission of The Trevor Project is incredibly important. By providing a 24/7-crisis intervention service, online community, and educational programs, the organization seeks to be both life saving and life-affirming.
- YouthPride
Since 2009, this organization has prevented 151 LGBTQ youth suicides through innovative programming and excellent resources. Whether offering daily after school activities or support and discussion groups, the Atlanta-based organization engages youth and empowers them to advocate for themselves. The organization also provides counseling and free HIV testing.
Local LGBTQ+ Centers
In addition to the larger organizations listed above, there are various LGBTQ Centers focused on serving local communities. Whether offering afterschool programs, counseling, mentoring, empowerment services or advocacy initiatives, these organizations provide crucial care at a pivotal time. These centers also frequently work with local schools to help create safer places for LGBTQ students to learn. Before visiting a center, students may have questions about their services. Some of these may include:
- Create a supportive community
- Many schools have student or faculty-led groups that champion and empower the LGBTQ community and align them with straight allies. These groups often promote advocacy and education for the larger student body and provide an outlet for socializing, finding support and encouragement, and talking about the challenges faced on and off campus.LGBTQ students are also encouraged to seek out mentors on their campus who can not only speak to higher administration on their behalf, but also provide a listening ear and an older voice on the challenges they commonly face.
- Create a supportive school campus
- As further statistics and research emerge about the damaging effects of LGBTQ discrimination on school campuses, many are taking an active stance against prejudiced behavior. Whether enacting policies and disciplinary protocol for those who engage in this behavior or educating all students about the importance of equal rights for all students, a number of colleges are leading the charge in shifting thought and action. These institutions often have LGBTQ offices that encourage student advocacy, alumni relations, media awareness, and faculty support. These organizations may also hose events to educate the wider campus and provide counseling services to students facing discrimination. Advocate pulled together a list of the Top 10 trans-friendly colleges in America.
- Build outside resources
- Outside of campus-based programs and offices, there are many local community and online resources that help to create more welcoming learning and living environments for LGBTQ students. Whether operating as a national organization with local chapters or an individual center, these programs will often work alongside colleges to help students find housing, employment, and healthcare services.
INTERVIEW
with ExpertDR. DEB COHAN
Dr. Deb Cohan, Assistant Professor of Sociology at University of South Carolina Beaufort with a specialization in Gender Studies. Former Board of Directors member at PFLAG.
What are some of the unique challenges LGBTQ students face in high school?
Virtually all high schoolers are developmentally at an age when perhaps more than ever, they crave the acceptance of their peers. This is no different for LGBTQ students, except LGBTQ students perceive cultural hostility and silencing and may not be ready to come out. If they come out, they risk being bullied. Some compensate by trying to be perfect in other ways, being a class clown, or some withdraw and retreat and risk profound isolation and even thoughts of suicide.
Do you have advice for LGBTQ students on finding supporting and encouraging environments?
Because of the social change work of tireless LGBTQ activists and their straight allies, we are living at a time that is most ripe and ready for conversation. Ask questions, get curious, share your curiosity, and be prepared to be surprised as to how and where you might find allies. Also, seek out the GSA at your school, and look into your local PFLAG organization. In this day and age of social media, you will also find support in chat rooms and on websites with people living across the globe. With that said, think globally and act locally and keep up your involvement in your own community.
Do not be afraid to seek counseling so you have a safe, open, and trustworthy space to talk with a trained therapist, preferably one who specifies that s/he is friendly to these issues.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you can so your health issues can be addressed holistically.
Self-loathing, isolation, self-injury, and suicidal thoughts are sadly common among high schoolers and college students and especially so among LGBTQ youth.
What can local LGBTQ organizations do? What types of services or resources do they provide?
They do a variety of things. Some provide peer support and mentoring, safe space for being out and/or gender questioning, a place for collaboration between âqueersâ and allies, etc. Organizations like PFLAG provide exceptional support for parents and families so there is increased parental acceptance that is crucial. I always tell students who are in the process of coming out to look into PFLAG and to direct their parents and siblings to this. It relieves students of the burden of educating people. Or as Audre Lorde said, âIt is not the job of the oppressed to teach the oppressor.â
How can schools promote LGBTQ acceptance through curricula?
Teachers and professors can assign reading by some of the great LGBTQ writers of our time. Some write about LGBTQ identity while others write about other subject matter. Often, these are great springboards for discussion on intersectionality and the connections between gender, sexuality, race, and class.
Teachers and professors can also host film screenings and invite guest speakers who highlight these issues from their own personal and professional experiences; these activities must be followed by spirited, lively, open and honest discussions. I do this all the time in my own classrooms. It not only creates a safe space for LGBTQ students but it creates expansive space for straight students. I have had a number of students tell me that after my class, they would be okay if they have a child who is gayâthis is hugely transformative considering that they entered the class admittedly homophobic.
What are some of the best programs/initiatives you've seen in this arena for building acceptance?
- a) http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/overview
- b) http://familydiv.org/exhibits/love-makes-a-family/
- c) PFLAG
- d) âIt gets betterâ campaign
- e) Ellen DeGeneres's efforts and her speaking out
- f) The documentary film,Bullyand the Bully Project
- g) The Network/La Red â Network for Battered Lesbians
- h) Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project
How can LGBTQ students best prepare for the transition to college?
Students would serve themselves well if they seek out schools that are explicitly LGBTQ friendly campuses. Information about this can be found online. Also, this is evident at campus visits by asking about and looking at what sorts of activities are already offered and if there is room to embrace more â i.e. events that center on gender, a drag show, a GSA organization, vocal students, vocal professors, etc.
LGBTQ+ College Students
In addition to balancing coursework, navigating new social situations and possibly trying to work during their studies, LGBTQ college students may encounter unique challenges while undertaking their education. TheNational Gay and Lesbian Task Forcefound that one in five college students fear for their physical safety due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. The good news is that many colleges across the nation are actively fighting to end discrimination on-campus and engender a spirit of acceptance and respect among all students, faculty and staff members.
The Campus Pride Index
Founded in 2001, Campus Pride has becoming the leading national organization for promoting safe college environments by developing student leaders and campus groups. What once started as an online community and center has now grown into a massive effort that has taken root on college campuses across the nation.
One of the most significant resources provided by the organization is the LGBTQ-Friendly Campus Pride Index. This guide is used to measure LGBTQ qualify of life across college and university campuses and promote better practices and open dialog. It also helps postsecondary institutions become more LGBTQ-friendly. According to the organization, âLGBTQ-friendlyâ describes a learning environment that is inclusive, welcoming and respectful for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people.
The Index has identified eight factors contributing to an overall LGBTQ-friendly college environment:
8 Factors Contributing to an Overall LGBTQ-Friendly College Environment
- Policy Inclusion
- Support & Institutional Commitment
- Campus Safety
- Conseling & Health
- Academic Life
- Student Life
- Housing
- Recruitment & Retentions Efforts
Curricula & Courses: LGBTQ-Inclusive Academics
Aside from LGBTQ Centers and student-led groups, colleges and universities can promote LGBTQ awareness and acceptance through academics, as well. Some of the best practices include:
1 Create inclusive lesson plans with positive examples of notable LGBTQ leaders.Fordham Universityprovides an excellent resource to all faculty members that outlines LGBTQ teaching recommendations. Some of their suggestions include:
- Challenge heterosexist assumptions
- Don't use us/them terminology; be inclusive
- Use LGBTQ writers, academics, scientists, and business leaders as examples of positive contributions throughout the course.
- Increase the visibility of LGBTQ role models and allies
- Make all students, regardless of sexual orientation, feel valued
2 Offer degree programs covering gender, sexuality, diversity, and queer history and culture. A number of schools have courses and degrees that explore the spectrum of human sexuality. Some of the most interesting include:
Majors
- Feminist Studies
- LGBTQ Studies
- Queer Studies
- Psychology with an concentration in LGBTQ Studies
Individual Courses
- Multidisciplinary approaches to LGBTQ Health
- Socio-cultural and historical dimensions of the LGBTQ community
- Queer theory
- Sex and gender in cross-cultural perspective
- The sexual politics of religion
Key College Resources for LGBTQ+ Students
Aside from academic inclusion of LGBTQ topics and positive perspectives, many campuses have various other types of support systems available for LGBTQ students. Some of these include:
LGBTQ Resource Centers
Because LGBTQ students can often face unique challenges, they need unique support and resources. Colleges and universities throughout the nation now often have centers dedicated specifically to LGBTQ needs. Students can find a safe place to locate resources, support, information, and care. In addition to direct services, these departments often host various campus events to foster community, promote education of LGBTQ topics, and promote health and wellness for all students.
Online Social Media and Discussion Resources
Today's students constantly use the Internet in a variety of ways. Universities have picked up on this trend and many now offer online forums for discussion and support, and the latest information on current news and issues within the LGBTQ community. In most cases, these forums are private and can only be accessed with proper and valid school logins.
Faculty and Staff Education Programs
Academics lead the charge in ensuring all students, regardless of sexual orientation, feel safe, valued and empowered in their classrooms. Universities now offer training and many resources to ensure faculty and staff are well-informed about inclusion of LGBTQ topics and are sensitive to discrimination.
LGBTQ Campus Events
Campus wide events deigned to celebrate and empower LGBTQ students and their allies are a great way to educate the larger campus community about LGBTQ interests. Many LGBTQ Resource Centers will host a variety of events throughout the school year.George Mason Universityprovides a great example of a rotating event schedule. Some of their upcoming events include Pride Week, National Coming Out Day and Safe Zone Training. The school also hosts book reading groups from LGBTQ authors and scholarships for LGBTQ students.
Special On-Campus or Campus-Sponsored Housing Issues
Students have enough on their plates without worrying about feeling comfortable in their living space. Many universities provide options specifically designated for LGBTQ students, be they shared dormitory rooms, suite-style apartments, or gender-neutral accommodations. Numerous schools have also begun creating all gender bathroom facilities to ensure further inclusivity.
Other Online Resources
LGBTQ students have enough on their plates navigating the usual pressures of college life without having to worry about feeling safe or discriminated against. Resources and organizations aimed at LGBTQ college students are crucial for educating, informing, advocating, and providing resources. Some of the best organizations serving LGBTQ college students and their allies are listed below:
- Delta Lambda Phi Fraternity
The DLP Fraternity was established for gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning men in 1986. Today, the Greek life organization has over 30 chapters spread throughout the country. The chapters seek to form bonds of brotherhood within a decidedly nontraditional group, offering opportunities to lead, grow, and form lifelong friendships.
- Gamma Rho Lambda Sorority
Established as the first national lesbian sorority, today this Greek life organization strives to be inclusive of all members, regardless of their sexual orientation. The enduring focus is on creating a sisterhood built on truth in tolerance, knowledge through diversity, bonds of unity, and strength in trust.
- Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
Since 1997, this organization has been working with colleges and educators across the nation to create learning environments where LGBTQ students have equality in all respects. Whether supporting academics or developing inclusive curriculum, the organization advocates on behalf of students by educating faculty and staff.
- Reaching Out
Reaching Out MBA was created specifically for LGBTQ students pursuing Master's in Business Administration as a way of empowering and supporting them in their studies and as they enter the professional world. With a mission of inspiring these students to lead the way in equality, the organization educates students about the challenges and opportunities of being an LGBTQ MBA student, inspires them to be leaders, and builds connections among other LGBTQ MBA students.
- The Point Foundation
The Point Foundation operates as a national LGBTQ scholarship fund, helping LGBTQ students achieve their academic and leadership potential regardless of obstacles. The biggest obstacle this organization seeks to remove is concern about financing a college education. Students with financial need who can demonstrate their aspiration to make a significant impact on society can truly benefit from the work of this organization.
- The Gender & Sexuality Action Committee
Operating under the umbrella of the American Medical Student Association, GSEC seeks to assure equal access to both medical care and education. The organization aspires to be a leader on issues affecting the health of women, intersex and LGBT communities. This goal is accomplished through providing support initiatives, working with legislators to improve police, advocating for patients and students, and providing safe and supportive environments and leadership opportunities for physicians-in-training.
INTERVIEW
with ExpertEUGENE PATRONThe Point Foundation
What are some of the unique challenges LGBTQ students face in college?
College today is a challenging expense for all students, but in surveying LGBTQ applicants for Point Foundation scholarships nearly half say they lack family support to help them pay for college. LGBTQ students estranged from their families may have a hard time filling out FAFSA®if they cannot get their parents to supply pertinent information. (Thankfully, recognizing this challenge, the U.S. Department of Education has taken some important steps to make this somewhat easier in recent years).
LGBTQ students are very much in need of professional role models. They have never met openly LGBTQ doctors, entrepreneurs, scientists, or other professionals. Many LGBTQ students wonder if they choose to follow their interests and study their academic discipline of choice, can they be out to their peers and their professor?
Do you have advice for LGBTQ students on finding supporting and encouraging environments?
Students often find that college is the first environment with organizations that accept, teach, and offer companionship for students based on their sexuality. Many LGBTQ students applying for Point Scholarships have told us that the presence of an on-campus LGBTQ center is a very important consideration for them when choosing a school.
How can schools promote LGBTQ acceptance through curricula?
Point alumni who have gone on to teach at colleges and universities stress the importance of faculty being out on campus and accessible to LGBTQ students. LGBTQ faculty interacting with LGBTQ students inside and outside of the classroom â having lunch with LGBTQ students, being an adviser to LGBTQ student groups â helps LGBTQ students by modeling for them how they too can integrate themselves into campus life. It's important for LGBTQ faculty to identify and encourage faculty allies â including straight peers â who can help make the campus community welcoming for LGBTQ students.
Point Foundation is a supporter of the Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act, which would require colleges to create and distribute an anti-harassment policy to all students and employees, including prospective students and employees upon request. More information on this proposed federal legislation can be foundhere.
How can LGBTQ students best prepare for the transition to college?
According to Lambda Legal, nearly one-third of LGBTQ students drop out of high school, three times the national average. Just by getting through high school, LGBTQ students should take pride in their accomplishment!
LGBTQ high school students should try and participate in Campus Pride's LGBTQ College Fairs, where they can learn about colleges that actively seek applications from LGBTQ students. Campus Pride and other organizations also provide annual rankings of how LGBTQ-friendly different schools are. Even after considering these rankings, it is important for LGBTQ students to remind themselves that they can find LGBTQ peers and allies on most campuses today. Students shouldn't hold themselves back from attending the school of their choice because they are LGBTQ.
Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students
In addition to countless general scholarships, LGBTQ students have numerous funding opportunities offered by leading civil rights and advocacy organizations focused on eradicating sexual orientation discrimination. Some of the top LGBTQ-specific scholarships available include:
Pride Foundation Scholarships
The Pride Foundation
Varies
January 11
This scholarship awards LGBT students and their allies who have demonstrably contributed to the LGBTQ community. It is open to both undergraduate and graduate students hailing from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington
LGBT Scholarships
The League Foundation
$1,500 - $2,500
April
Students qualified to receive this funding must graduating high school students who plan on attending a college, university or trade school. As part of the application process, students will need to complete an application and two personal essays.
Point Scholarships
The Point Foundation
Varies
January 20
LGBTQ students who aspire to be leaders in their communities and in the fight for equal rights are excellent candidates for this scholarship. Selection criteria is made on âlast providerâ basis, meaning this scholarship fills the gap in funding not provided by other sources.
National Scholarships
PFLAG
$1,000 - $5,000
April 30
PFLAG awards these scholarships to graduating high school seniors who self identify as members of the LGBTQ community or as an ally. Students must also demonstrate previous commitment to furthering equality via programs, projects or activities within their high schools or communities.
Gamma Mu Scholarships
Gamma Mu Foundation
$1,000 - $2,500
March 31
Gay men under the age of 35 may apply for Gamma Mu's scholarship, including those in both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. Preference will be giving to students who come from or plan to attend college in a rural area; who have overcome discrimination; who demonstrate leadership qualities; and who have a history of strong academic performance.
Live Out Loud Scholarships
Live Out Loud
$5,000
March 4
LGBTQ students demonstrating leadership and ambition are able to apply to this scholarship, providing they are also high school seniors living in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut. Students will complete an information form and six essays as part of their application.
Pink Ink Scholarship
The Queer Foundation
$1,000
February 14
High School seniors may apply for this scholarship, which is awarded on the basis of an English essay competition. Students must compose an essay focused on queer theory or related topics, such as queer medical, legal or social issues.
The Levin-Goffee Scholarship
The Stonewall Foundation
Up to $12,500
August 20
This scholarship was created specifically for immigrant LGBTQI students enrolled in a New York City-based university to provide economic stability in an unfamiliar environment. Students must be full-time and should have completed at least one academic year at the time of their application.
Bob Ross Scholarship
The Association of LGBT Journalists
$2,500
July 31
This scholarship was named after notable painter Bob Ross, who was a strong advocate for LGBT and AIDS rights. Students eligible to receive this award must be enrolled in a journalism or related degree program at a Northern California institution. Students who are from Northern California but attending elsewhere may also apply.
Roy Scrivner Research Grants
American Psychological Foundation
$15,000
November 1
Students completing empirical and applied research focused on LGBT family psychology and/or therapy may apply for this scholarship, provided they are currently completing advanced graduate coursework. They must also be endorsed by their supervising professor and have a demonstrated commitment to working within LGBT family issues.
FAQs
How do you create a safe environment for LGBTQ students? ›
- Educate Yourself.
- Plan Inclusive Activities.
- Take a Stand on Bullying.
- Be LGBTQ-Positive with Your Curriculum.
- Encourage Healthy Social Relationships.
- Practice Makes Perfect.
Potential Discussion Questions:
How do certain aspects of your identity impact other aspects of your identity? For instance, how does your racial identity impact your experience with your sexual orientation, or vice versa? How does gender influence what kind of privilege you have access to?
- Create space for sharing pronouns. ...
- Embrace a diverse, intersectional curriculum to include LGBTQ+ experiences. ...
- Rock pride in your safe space. ...
- Get involved. ...
- Listen to youth.
- Setting the tone. ...
- Degrees of education. ...
- Make diversity awareness activities a party. ...
- Diversity Awareness Training & Teachable moments. ...
- Promote diversity awareness with artistic exposure.
Teach students to respect others. Include positive representations of LGBT people, history and events into your curriculum. Engage other school staff about anti-LGBT bias and ways to create safer schools. names, pronouns, and titles.
How to make LGBT more inclusive? ›- Review your policies for LGBTQ+ inclusion. ...
- Provide LGBTQ+ training. ...
- Set up an LGBTQ+ network. ...
- Appoint LGBTQ+ allies. ...
- List your pronouns. ...
- Incorporate gender-neutral language. ...
- Create unisex toilets. ...
- Celebrate LGBTQ+ history and events.
More than 80% of LGBTQ students say they faced harassment or assault. An alarming number of LGBTQ students face harassment at school and report feeling depressed and hopeless, according to newly released survey results.
What questions to ask students about pride? ›THE DISCUSSION ON PRIDE
What achievement are you most proud of? Who are you most proud of? What do you take great pride in doing? When was the last time you were very proud of yourself?
- 1) Standardize Parental Leave Policies.
- 2) Encourage Internal LGBT Networking and Communities.
- 3) Create a Strong Culture of Inclusiveness.
- 4) Support LGBT Issues in the Community.
What questions to ask at Pride? ›
When did you first realize you were Queer? What is one of your favorite things about your identity? What is something you wish others understood about your identity? What was the hardest part about coming out?
What is lgbtqia 2s? ›People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or gender expansive, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) are members of every community, and provide incredibly important contributions to society every day.
What does the 2 in LGBTQ2 mean? ›A person whose gender identity is different from the sex placed on their birth certificate. “Q” stands for Queer. Queer is an umbrella term often time used to categorize the entirety of the LGBTQ2+ community. Next, we have the “2”. It's for Two-Spirits.
What is a two-spirit person? ›“Two-Spirit” is a term used within some Indigenous communities, encompassing cultural, spiritual, sexual and gender identity. The term reflects complex Indigenous understandings of gender roles, spirituality, and the long history of sexual and gender diversity in Indigenous cultures.
How unsafe environments in schools have a negative impact on lifestyle? ›When students feel emotionally unsafe, they may also avoid school and drop out or exhibit avoidance behaviours and fail to participate in class. Safety is affected by the school environment, as well as by the physical and social environments in which the school is nested.
Should gender be a deciding factor for people to access education? ›A. Should gender be a deciding factor for people to access education? No, it should not be a factor because having a gender bias in deciding who can have access to education is showing inequality. Gender equality must be practiced in all aspects not only in attaining education but in all aspects of life.
How do you promote student diversity? ›- Get to Know Your Students. ...
- Maintain Consistent Communication. ...
- Acknowledge and Respect Every Student. ...
- Practice Cultural Sensitivity. ...
- Incorporate Diversity in the Lesson Plan. ...
- Give Students Freedom and Flexibility.
- Make an IEP cheat sheet. ...
- Encourage active learning. ...
- Embrace small group and learning stations. ...
- Group by learning style, not ability. ...
- Promote project-based learning. ...
- Incorporate ed-tech and adaptive learning tools. ...
- Provide alternative testing options.
- Practical Accommodations. Individualized Education Programs and 504 plans ensure that educators meet the needs of students with disabilities. ...
- Increase Accessibility. ...
- Culturally Responsive Teaching. ...
- Project-Based Learning. ...
- Formative Assessment.
- Establish expected practice. Choose a communication channel. ...
- Plan for accessibility. ...
- Support students to engage online. ...
- Structure 'live' learning. ...
- Create flexible asynchronous learning time. ...
- Follow advice on using technology effectively. ...
- Recognise the importance of constructive feedback.
How do you build relationships with students virtually? ›
- Greet each student by name every single day. ...
- Show students your world. ...
- Have students write about themselves. ...
- Start a virtual book club for your class. ...
- Provide high-quality feedback on assignments.
- Ask for feedback. Any chance the learners have to leave feedback is a great opportunity for interaction. ...
- Let people choose the way. ...
- Make it social. ...
- Invite learners to contribute. ...
- Encourage peer evaluation.
Allow families to specify a child's gender marker, preferred name and pronoun. Review forms used in your school that include children's names or pronouns such as attendance records or class lists to ensure accurate names and gender are used. Ensure privacy for transgender students. Clarify who has access to records.
What is the importance of LGBT inclusion? ›A LGBTQI+ inclusive education can help to reduce the risk of mental health issues among children and young people. The risk of anxiety, depression and suicide is extremely high for individuals who identify as LGBTQI+.
How can I be truly inclusive? ›- Know the difference between diversity and inclusion. ...
- Figure out what your core and flex topics are. ...
- Find out more than just the tip of the iceberg. ...
- We all have unconscious bias, you just need to manage it. ...
- Understand that intent and impact are different.
Why is school pride important? School pride is an important part of building a successful school community. When students have pride in their school it gives them a sense of ownership which sets in motion a range of positive behaviours.
How do you represent school pride? ›- Make A Game Day Banner Or Poster. ...
- Paint Your Face. ...
- Make A Spirit Stick Noisemaker, Bracelet Or Keychain. ...
- Wear School Colors. ...
- Go To All The Games. ...
- Represent Your School In A Parade. ...
- Get Involved: Volunteer. ...
- Set Your School Fight Song As Your Ringtone.
Queer theorists have demanded that education discuss and encourage learning about those who are oppressed for who they are perceived to be, regardless of their own identifications, and that education acknowledge the categorization of identities created by traditional curriculum and pedagogical practices (Kumashiro, ...
What are good questions to ask students? ›- What are your favorite hobbies?
- In your free time, what do you like to do?
- Have you volunteered in your community?
- What was the hardest part of the past week for you?
- What is your favorite book?
- What is your favorite TV show?
- What is your favorite movie?
- What is your favorite color?
Students can and should be proud of their accomplishments, their class work, their classroom, and their peers. Ultimately, pride is about ownership. When students have a real sense of ownership in something, they are much more likely to be proud of it.
What are the pride values? ›
Originally adopted by UCSF Medical Center 16 years ago, these set of values are organized under the acronym PRIDE, which stands for Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence.
How do you show pride on Lgbtq? ›- Attend a Pride Parade or Event. ...
- Be an Ally. ...
- Organize a T-Shirt Design Contest. ...
- Volunteer or Donate. ...
- Become an Advocate. ...
- Educate Yourself. ...
- Support LGBTQIA+ art and culture. ...
- Consider your company's LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.
- Listen to and reflect patients' choice of language when they describe their own sexual orientation and gender identity and how they refer to their relationship or partner. ...
- Refrain from making assumptions about a person's sexual orientation or gender identity based on appearance.
- Understand the LGBTQ community before targeting this group. ...
- Align your business with other LGBTQ friendly businesses nearby to improve your products and services. ...
- Get LGBTQ tourists to write reviews or stories about your product or service to bring in new tourists.
As of June 2019, the NYC Pride March in New York City is consistently North America's biggest pride parade, with 2.1 million attendees in 2015 and 2.5 million in 2016; in 2018, attendance was estimated around two million.
What is NHS pride? ›The NHS Scotland Pride badge promotes inclusion for LGBTQ+ people and makes a statement that there's no place for discrimination or harassment of any kind in NHS Scotland. As an NHS staff member who wears the badge, you are pledging to: be aware of and responsive to issues faced by LGBTQ+ people accessing care.
How do you talk about pride at work? ›- Create Pride Month backgrounds for video calls. ...
- Invite employees to add their pronouns to their email signatures.
- Share Pride Month trivia on your internal communications channels like Slack or Chatter.
- Promote a playlist of gay artists and gay music icons like this one on Spotify.
- Review your policies for LGBTQ+ inclusion. ...
- Provide LGBTQ+ training. ...
- Set up an LGBTQ+ network. ...
- Appoint LGBTQ+ allies. ...
- List your pronouns. ...
- Incorporate gender-neutral language. ...
- Create unisex toilets. ...
- Celebrate LGBTQ+ history and events.
“It's not any more intrusive than that,” said Michael Barron, the admissions director. Officials insist that identifying as lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-questioning does not affect chances of being admitted. But it can pay off.
Is Lewis and Clark College LGBTQ friendly? ›Lewis & Clark College is committed to supporting a culture of respect and safety for people of all gender identities, gender expression, and sexual orientations. This entails providing a learning environment free of all forms of abuse, assault, harassment, and coercive conduct, including sexual misconduct.
What college has the most LGBT? ›
- The Ohio State University. ...
- University of Colorado at Boulder. ...
- University of Massachusetts Amherst. ...
- University of Oregon. ...
- University of Pennsylvania. ...
- University of Washington. ...
- Princeton University. ...
- Pennsylvania State University.
A LGBTQI+ inclusive education can help to reduce the risk of mental health issues among children and young people. The risk of anxiety, depression and suicide is extremely high for individuals who identify as LGBTQI+.
What is the meaning of diversity and inclusion? ›Diversity and inclusion are two interconnected concepts—but they are far from interchangeable. Diversity is about representation or the make-up of an entity. Inclusion is about how well the contributions, presence and perspectives of different groups of people are valued and integrated into an environment.
Where can I study queer studies? ›- California State University, San Bernardino. LGBT Studies Emphasis within Women's Studies Program.
- Smith College. ...
- Wesleyan University. ...
- City College of San Francisco. ...
- University of Minnesota. ...
- San Francisco State University. ...
- University of California Berkeley. ...
- University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
- 01 of 10. Gender and Sexuality Therapist. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Blend Images / Getty Images. ...
- 02 of 10. Event Organizer or Promoter. ...
- 03 of 10. Civil Rights Lawyer. ...
- 04 of 10. Communications Specialist. ...
- 05 of 10. Nonprofit Employee. ...
- 06 of 10. Queer Studies Professor. ...
- 07 of 10. Youth Counselor. ...
- 08 of 10. LGBTQ News Reporter.
Carnegie Mellon strives to be a welcoming and affirming place for all members of the campus community, including those along the sexuality and gender spectra. The university provides a growing number of resources to support LGBTQ+ staff and faculty members and their allies.
Is K State Lgbtq friendly? ›The Center has also been recognized as a Top 25 LGBT Friendly College by College Consensus in 2019 and as a Top 10 Trans-Supportive College by the Advocate Magazine in 2017. On October 13th, 2020, K-State was named one of Campus Pride's "2020 BEST OF THE BEST LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges & Universities!"
Is university of North Texas LGBT friendly? ›Welcome to the LGBTQ+ Community!
For the most part, college life has been a supportive environment, with the UNT Pride Alliance, welcoming staff across campus, active student groups, and university-backed non-discrimination and benefits policies.
Four-year men's colleges
As of 2020, there are three private, non-religious, four-year, all-male college institutions in the United States. These are: Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana. Hampden–Sydney College, Hampden Sydney, Virginia.
Commitment to LGBTQ Issues
The Pennsylvania State University is one of the top choices in the country for LGBTQA students. The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD) provides a comprehensive range of education, information, and advocacy services to students, faculty, staff, and alumni.