Good evening, everyone. I’m [INTRODUCE YOURSELF], and I’d like to take a couple of minutes to share ideas for how we can create safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ students in our schools in the current political environment.
Imagine starting each day feeling like you don’t belong. It’s difficult for anyone to feel like an outsider, especially our students. Research from the CDC, the Trevor Project, and other organizations consistently shows that LGBTQ+ students face higher rates of bullying and harassment, negatively impacting their mental health and academic performance. But when they feel supported and accepted, their well-being and success improve significantly.
Here are four simple ways to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ students to thrive:
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- Be a role model for inclusivity and belonging. Use students’ preferred names and pronouns. You can also create an accepting environment by not making assumptions about anyone’s identity and using inclusive language like “partner” and “they” when you don’t know someone’s identity.
- Address bullying behavior. Calling out anti-LGBTQ+ behavior, including casual slurs like “that’s so gay,” will let students know that you won’t tolerate bullying.
- Listen. Let students know that you’re a safe person to talk to. Listening is one of the best ways to help an LGBTQ+ student feel understood.
- Show your support. Human beings are hard-wired to scan our environment for signs of safety and signs of threat. Any LGBTQ+ representation helps show students that you’re a safe person who offers them a safe space. This can include pride flags, pins, stickers or posters; books with LGBTQ+ content and characters; including LGBTQ+ artists, scientists, or historical figures in the curriculum; sharing your own pronouns; and much more.
All students deserve to feel safe and supported at school. Thank you for taking the time to hear my ideas to support LGBTQ+ students today.
Sources:
Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2023, Centers for Disease Control
Bullying and Suicide Risk among LGBTQ Youth, The Trevor Project
Supportive Schools for LGBTQ+ Students, Campaign for Southern Equality
