LGBTQIA+ Youth Educational Materials
The youth education resources listed here are dedicated to providing inclusive and affirming educational support for LGBTQIA+ youth. These resources aim to empower young people with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive academically and personally. If you have feedback on your experiences with these resources, whether positive or negative, or if you know of additional educational resources that should be included, please contact us at info@nipridealliance.com.
If you would like to have a youth education resource included in our LGBTQIA+ Resource Guide, please email us at info@nipridealliance.com.
A Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth
Organization:
The Trevor Project
Learn about best practices in supporting transgender & nonbinary youth with this educational guide by The Trevor Project.
The guide includes:
The difference between sex and gender
Basics of gender — identity, expression, and perception
Forms of address that show respect (names, pronouns, honorifics)
Helpful tips to increase understanding
Common mistakes and what to do if you’ve made one
Virtual GSA's in Action / 2020 Virtual Toolkit
Organization:
GSA Network
Virtual GSAs In Action is a digital space where we feature virtual youth leadership events, online group conversations, and training in digital organizing.
It Gets Better Project
Organization:
It Gets Better Project
The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe. Growing up isn’t easy, especially when you are trying to affirm and assert your sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It can be a challenging and isolating process – but, the good news is, no one has to do it alone.
LGBT National Youth Hotline
Organization:
LGBT National Help Center
Available at this website: Resources,
Creating Safer Spaces for LGBTQ Youth
Organization:
Advocates for Youth
A toolkit for education, healthcare and community-based organizations.
This Toolkit has been developed to assist individuals, community-based organizations, providers, healthcare staff, educators, and others that see the value of incorporating key safer space components into their organizations so that young people survive and thrive. Recommendations serve as a guide and should be tailored to each individual young person and organizational setting.
National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day One-Pager
Organization:
Advocates for Youth
https://advocatesforyouth.org/resources/fact-sheets/national-youth-hiv-aids-awareness-day-one-pager/
Cultivating Respect: Safe Schools for All
Organization:
PFLAG
The Top 10 ways to make schools safer for all
Odyssey 2019 School Climate Report
Organization:
Odyssey Youth Center
Odyssey Youth Movement’s annual youth climate survey is conducted every Spring with the intention of gathering information about the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth from throughout the Inland Northwest. The 2018-2019 Report includes data collected in April, May, and June of 2019 about the preceding school year.
Access the full report with 300 youth respondents HERE
This report is an important look at the lives of LGBTQ+ students from throughout the Spokane and Inland Northwest region. Information includes demographics about respondents, questions about their experiences in school, as well as recommendations on how teachers, school staff, and service providers can use this information to promote equity for LGBTQ+ students in their work.
EduGuides
Organization:
It Gets Better
We’ve created a number of EduGuides to accompany some of our best videos, films, books, and more. These are colorful materials that make it easy to share It Gets Better stories with any audience, such as a class or GSA group. Each EduGuide comes with discussion questions that make for an engaging presentation, and some even come with fun activities and complete lesson plans.
LGBTQ Student Resources & Support
Organization:
Community for Accredited Online Schools
Helpful information about LGBTQ student scholarships and other available support.
Lesson Plans For Your Gay Straight Alliance, Diversity Club, Or Other School Group!
Organization:
Live Out Loud
Does your club or organization need help coming up with activities, preparing discussions, and planning community actions that promote LGBT awareness? Let Live Out Loud help!
Stonewall Book Awards
Organization:
Coeur d'Alene Library
Children and young adult book winners to celebrate Pride Month. Graphic by the Coeur d'Alene Library.
Pronoun Guide
Organization:
GLSEN
This guide is created to help anyone learn how to use people’s correct pronouns. Everyone in your community should engage in learning, educating, and advocating for the inclusive use of pronouns for all.
Tips for Allies of Transgender People
Organization:
GLAAD
These are tips that can be used as you move toward becoming a better ally to transgender people. This list is not exhaustive and cannot include all the "right" things to do or say because often there is no one "right" answer to every situation you might encounter.
When you become an ally of transgender people, your actions will help change the culture, making society a better, safer place for transgender people and for all people (trans or not) who do not conform to conventional gender expectations.
Coming Out
Organization:
LGBTQA Office - University of Idaho
Coming out is one of the hardest things someone can do. No one should have to do it alone.
The LGBTQA Office is here for you through every step of the coming out process. We can provide resources and support. We are available to talk about anything related to coming out. Good luck on your journey. We know it’s tough, and we are here for you.
LGBTQ Students: Know Your Rights
Organization:
ACLU
LGBTQ Youth Resources
Organization:
ACLU
There's a lot of information about school issues for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth both on the ACLU's website and elsewhere on the web, but sometimes it can be difficult to find your way to the resources you need online. We've gathered some of the best information we have plus great stuff from other organizations and websites on this page to help you find things that can help you learn more about your rights and what you can do to make your school a safer, more welcoming place.
Students' Rights
Organization:
ACLU
The Supreme Court ruled in 1969 that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." This is true for other fundamental rights, as well.
How to Start a GSA
Organization:
ACLU
A how-to guide on starting a GSA at your school.
What You Can Do To Make Schools Safer
Organization:
ACLU
A few ideas about things schools, students, and parents can do to reduce harassment.
A Guide for Trans and Gender Nonconforming Students
Organization:
ACLU
Transgender and gender nonconforming students have the right to be safe and to be yourself at school. That is why the American Civil Liberties Union and GLSEN have put together this guide to inform you of your rights.
A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools
Organization:
ACLU
This guide from the ACLU, NCLR, Gender Spectrum, and HRC guide is written for administrators, teachers, parents, and other adults who work with youth. It covers topics ranging from basic concepts of gender and the importance of affirming gender identity, to best practices for restroom access and working with unsupportive parents.
Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation and Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel
Organization:
American Psychological Association
A booklet for educators by the American Psychological Association that debunks the myths of the so-called “Ex-Gay” movement and helps school officials make educated, informed decisions when dealing with sexual orientation issues in their schools.
Info on the Equal Access Act
Organization:
Religious Tolerance
A good basic history and explanation of the law that protects your right to form a GSA.
Gender Spectrum
Organization:
Gender Spectrum
An organization that provides education, resources and training to help schools, health care providers, and family service agencies create a more gender sensitive and supportive environment for all children including gender variant and transgender youth.
Campus Pride
Organization:
Campus Pride
This national nonprofit serves LGBTQ and ally student leaders and campus organizations through leadership development, support programs, and services to create safer, more inclusive LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities. Their resources include the Campus Pride Index, a database of information on LGBTQ-friendly colleges nationwide, and their "Lil' Purple Backpack" resource guide.
Point Foundation Scholarships
Organization:
Point Foundation
Point Foundation empowers promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society.
Pride Foundation Scholarships
Organization:
Pride Foundation
Do you know an LGBTQ+ student pursuing post-secondary education? Let them know that the Pride Foundation's Scholarship application.
Current college students and those individuals planning to enroll in a program next year are eligible as are current high school seniors.
Their scholarship program supports students who:
- Show leadership potential either within the LGBTQ+ community or within their field of study
- Lack a broader LGBTQ+ community support system
- Face additional barriers to educational access, including students who are economically, racially, socially, geographically, or politically disenfranchised
- Demonstrate significant financial need.
Learn more and apply at pridefoundation.org.
The application for the 2021-2022 school year is open as of October 11, 2020, and applications are due Friday, January 8, 2021.
Trans Equality
Organization:
National Center for Transgender Equality
The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice.
Anti-Violence Project
Organization:
Anti-Violence Project
AVP empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy.
Youth Resources
Organization:
The Community Center inc
Founded in December 1983, The Community Center is devoted to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and allied population. The Community Center (TCC) is committed to uniting the LGBT community through educational and developmental programs by providing resources to the LGBT community. The Community Center (TCC) provides a safe and welcoming location for group meetings and social activities for youth groups, LBGT support groups, women’s and transgender groups. (TCC is a non-profit 501(C) 3 organization.)
Youth at Work
Organization:
EEOC
Rights and Responsibilities of youth while at work, including FAQs and example scenarios.
I Think I Might Be Transgender, Now What Do I Do?
Organization:
Advocates for Youth
A brochure by and for Transgender youth. Includes FAQs, tips and contact information for additional resources.
I Think I Might Be Lesbian, Now What Do I Do?
Organization:
Advocates for Youth
A brochure by and for Lesbian youth. Includes FAQs, tips and contact information for additional resources.
I Think I Might Be Gay, Now What Do I Do?
Organization:
Advocates for Youth
A brochure by and for Gay youth. Includes FAQs, tips and contact information for additional resources.
I Think I Might Be Bisexual, Now What Do I Do?
Organization:
Advocates for Youth
A brochure by and for Bisexual youth. Includes FAQs, tips and contact information for additional resources.
Transgender Reading List for Children
Organization:
PFLAG
Parents looking for age-appropriate reading material for younger children who are transgender, gender expansive, or simply have a lot of questions, might think that their options are limited. Happily, that’s not the case. The books below each offer a different way to affirm, to learn, and to start important conversations.
Open Letter to Schools About Addressing Anti-LGBT Bullying
Organization:
ACLU
This open letter to principals and superintendents explains why it's illegal under federal law for public schools to ignore anti-LGBT harassment of students.
Open Letter to Schools About LGBT Censorship
Organization:
ACLU
A letter to principals and educators explaining the legal requirement that public schools allow students to wear clothing or accessories with slogans or symbols that express support for LGBT people and issues.
Creating Safe and Welcoming Schools
Organization:
HRC Foundation
HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools is the most comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive professional development training, lesson plans, booklists and resources specifically designed for educators and youth-serving professionals. Our program uses an intersectional, anti-racist lens dedicated to actionable policies and practices. We uplift school communities with critical tools to embrace family diversity, create LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying, and support transgender and non-binary students.
LGBT History Month
Organization:
How It Works
LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Icons. Each day in October, a new LGBT Icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources.
LGBT History Is American History
“LGBT History Month sends an important message to our nation’s teachers, school boards, community leaders, and youth about the vital importance of recognizing and exploring the role of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in American history."
George Chauncey
Samuel Knight Professor of American History and Chair of the History Department, Yale University
Background
In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month.
Gay and Lesbian History Month was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association and other national organizations. In 2006 Equality Forum assumed responsibility for providing content, promotion and resources for LGBT History Month.
Celebrate Our Heritage
The LGBT community is the only community worldwide that is not taught its history at home, in public schools or in religious institutions. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community and makes the civil rights statement about our extraordinary national and international contributions.
About Equality Forum
Equality Forum is a national and international LGBT civil rights organization with an educational focus. Equality Forum coordinates LGBT History Month, produces documentary films, undertakes high-impact initiatives and presents the largest annual national and international LGBT civil rights summit. For more information, visit www.equalityforum.com.
LGBTQ+ Student Rights
Organization:
GLSEN
It’s official: The US Supreme Court says anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination is illegal.
No matter what you may have heard in the past, harassment and discrimination against LGBTQ+ students are against the law. If you go to a public school, they’re also against the Constitution. Unfortunately, many LGBTQ+ students still experience them every day. Here’s what you need to know.
AS AN LGBTQ+ STUDENT, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT:
- To choose when and how to come out. You have the right to be out and proud, when and how you choose. You also have the right to keep your gender identity and sexual orientation private. Your school can’t out you—even to your parents—without a strong justification.
- To live as your true gender. You have the right to dress, use school restrooms and changing rooms, and participate in sports and other activities according to your gender identity. If you’re not a boy or a girl and there are only boys’ and girls’ options, you have the right to say which option is most appropriate for you.
- To express who you are and what you believe. You have the right to express your identity through speech and clothes and to speak about your beliefs. As long as you’re following school rules and not harassing others, your school can’t single you out (solely) because you’re LGBTQ+.
- To date who you want. You have the right to date who you want, regardless of gender, and go with your date to school events. Your school can’t treat you different than other couples because you’re LGBTQ+.
- To form a student group. You have the right to form a GSA (Gay Straight Alliance or Gender Sexuality Alliance) or other any other type of LGBTQ+ student-focused club and have it be recognized the same as any other groups recognized by your school.
- Not to be misgendered or harassed. You have the right to be called by the name and pronouns that match who you are in every aspect of the school day. Your school is responsible for stopping harassment, including if someone intentionally misgenders you.
- To report harassment. Take notes of any incident of harassment. Put your school on notice right away that it has to protect you.
If you experience any problems at school, first talk to your principal or another official. If nothing happens, it's time to get help.
FILE A FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINT
If you have experienced school-based bullying, harassment, or discrimination, you can also file a complaint with your local school district, your state education agency, or the US Education Department today. You can file a complaint for bullying, harassment, or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, or sex characteristics. For more information on how to file a complaint, you can reference the Claim Your Rights resource.
GET HELP
If you have questions on how to take action, please do not hesitate to contact us:
- GLSEN National: 202-347-7780, policy@glsen.org, www.glsen.org.
- PFLAG National: Diego Miguel Sanchez, APR, Director of Advocacy, Policy & Partnerships, 202-657-6997, dsanchez@pflag.org, www.pflag.org.
- For information on obtaining legal assistance contact the ACLU’s National LGBT Project: https://action.aclu.org/legal-intake/report-lgbtqhiv-discrimination.
- To connect with an attorney to address harassment or discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, contact the National Women’s Law Center Fund’s Legal Network for Gender Equity: www.nwlc.org/legal-assistance.