Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth: Celebrating and Supporting Diversity

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth, youth with LGBTQ+ family members and students who are not LGBTQ+ but who are perceived to be are often faced with challenging school environments that can impact their safety and academic success.

Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the range of obstacles facing sexual minority youth, from exclusionary, heterosexist curricula to homophobic comments, threats, intimidation, and physical assault, sometimes on a routine basis. Increasing awareness of the potentially toxic school climate and the far-too-often devastating consequences of unchecked homophobia and bullying have resulted in renewed calls for more to be done to support LGBTQ+ youth. The goal of this online workshop is to increase the knowledge, competency, and resources of professionals to support and affirm lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students and effectively educate their peers.