With Statistics The first step to demonstrating need is presenting statistics showing just how dire the situation is for many LGBTQ+ youth in our society today. You will find a list of statistics that you can cite to your school administration and school board, and the sources of the statistics, below. Click here for aContinue reading “Step One: Demonstrate the Need for a GSA”
Author Archives: Lara Klopp
Actions Allies Can Take
Teachers and Administrators can be among the most influential people in the lives of LGBTQ+ students. In the Classroom Display your support in your classroom – the Safe Space symbol, rainbow colors, trans colors, non-binary colors, etc. (Swanson & Gettinger, 2015). Announce your preferred pronouns to your class and in your email signature. Announce GSAContinue reading “Actions Allies Can Take”
School Anti-Bullying Policy
First, Ensure that Your School’s Anti-Bullying Policy Specifies Protections for LGBTQ+ Students It is vital to specifically designate anti-bullying protections for students based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Schools must first ensure that their anti-bullying policy enumerates protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Such enumerations clearly reduceContinue reading “School Anti-Bullying Policy”
Staff-Wide Training Guide
The Summary: Why to Train Teachers, Administration, and Staff on LGBTQ+ Issues One important action school administrators can take on the path to making their schools more accepting of LGBTQ+ diversity is the training of teachers, staff, and even themselves! WHY train about LGBTQ+-related issues? Because training teachers and staff on those issues is oneContinue reading “Staff-Wide Training Guide”
LGBTQ+ Language Guide
Up-to-Date Terminology Links LGBTQ+ preferred terminology is ever-evolving, so instead of trying to provide the most up-to-date terminology information here, I’ve linked to two websites which strive to update their language guides to keep up with the times. Comprehensive* List of LGBTQ+ Vocabulary Definitions LGBTQ and You – An Introductory Glossary of Terms and UsageContinue reading “LGBTQ+ Language Guide”
Proposal Letters and Mission Statements
GSA Proposal Letters The page on Proposal Letters gives you ideas how to write your GSA proposal, and directs you to resources on the site that will help you demonstrate why a GSA would be good for your students and your school as a whole. Mission Statements The page on Mission Statements has some sampleContinue reading “Proposal Letters and Mission Statements”
Ways to Encourage Success in Forming Your GSA
So you’re ready to begin approaching your school administration and/or school board to formally initiate the formation of your GSA. There are steps you can take to make the process more successful and collaborative. References Finn, J. (2021, October 23). New LGBTQ+ school-bullying study electrifies advocates. Medium. https://medium.com/prismnpen/new-lgbtq-school-bullying-study-electrifies-advocates-ae52629bad83
GSAs and the Law
A summary of laws and legal findings on behalf of gay-straight alliance formation and school-based opportunities in the United States, with links to resources and further information.
Guide to Creating Safe and Welcoming Schools 