Supporting LGBTQ Youth As They Head Back to School
In 2011, the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) adopted a robust anti-bullying policy that included protections for LGBT students, thanks to the work of so many in our community. But we know that for these policies and protections to truly be effective, LGBTQ youth must feel supported in utilizing them. More than ever, LGBTQ youth need to know that there are people that care and that they – and all students — deserve to be safe and protected in school.
“I (San Diego lgbt center Ceo Caroline Dessert) recently had the honor of meeting with SDUSD School Superintendent Cindy Marten, who remains committed to working with our community to create a safe and empowered learning environment for all students. While we both acknowledge that great steps have been taken to make our schools safer for LGBTQ youth, there is still significant work that needs to be done.
We have to work to make sure that students and teachers who witness bullying know how to report it and that they must do so. We need to ensure that more LGBTQ supportive resources are available to middle school students, as an increasing number of students are ‘coming out’ younger. We also must increase access to LGBTQ-affirming resources, especially in traditionally marginalized communities so more LGBTQ young people know where to go if they need support.”
http://www.ragemonthly.com/2018/09/10/supporting-lgbtq-youth/
