National LGBTQIA+ Resources

Anti-Bullying Resources for Teachers

1. GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network)

• Website: www.glsen.org

• Resources: GLSEN is a leading organization that supports educators in creating safe and inclusive schools for LGBTQIA+ students and staff. They provide a wealth of anti-bullying tools, resources, and advocacy guides that focus on supporting LGBTQIA+ teachers.

  • Program: “Safe and Supportive Schools”

  • Focus: Strategies for creating a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ educators and students. It includes resources for reporting and preventing bullying, fostering inclusivity, and handling microaggressions.

  • Additional Resources: LGBTQIA+ inclusive curricula, guidelines for starting LGBTQIA+ staff resource groups, and mental health resources.

2. PFLAG National

• Website: www.pflag.org

• Resources: PFLAG offers a range of materials designed to support LGBTQIA+ teachers, students, and families. They have resources aimed at creating inclusive classrooms and addressing bullying.

  • Program: “Creating Safe Schools”

  • Focus: PFLAG provides resources that help school communities understand and address the specific challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ teachers and students. Their toolkits address LGBTQIA+ bullying and strategies for supporting LGBTQIA+ staff and allies.

3. The Trevor Project

• Website: www.thetrevorproject.org

• Resources: Known for its focus on LGBTQIA+ youth suicide prevention, The Trevor Project offers resources for educators and school personnel on how to handle bullying and provide support for LGBTQIA+ students and staff.

  • Program: “Safe Schools Initiative”

  • Focus: The Trevor Project provides guidelines on creating a safe and supportive school environment, including strategies for preventing bullying, dealing with discrimination, and supporting LGBTQIA+ teachers who may be experiencing harassment or bullying.

  • Additional Resources: Crisis intervention resources and access to counseling and support for LGBTQIA+ educators.

4. Teaching Tolerance (Southern Poverty Law Center)

• Website: www.tolerance.org

• Resources: Teaching Tolerance provides a wealth of anti-bullying curriculum resources that are relevant to LGBTQIA+ teachers. They offer guidance on combating bullying, including specific resources for LGBTQIA+ educators.

  • Program: “Respecting Differences” and “Social Justice Standards”

  • Focus: Offering a structured approach to teaching about diversity, inclusivity, and LGBTQIA+ identities. The program helps teachers combat bullying through inclusive and proactive curriculum strategies.

  • Additional Resources: Classroom resources for handling discrimination and harassment, including lesson plans and activities that support LGBTQIA+ students and educators.

5. Gender Spectrum

• Website: www.genderspectrum.org

• Resources: Gender Spectrum focuses on gender inclusivity in the classroom and provides resources for LGBTQIA+ educators and staff. They offer tips for creating supportive spaces for gender-diverse teachers and students.

  • Program: “Gender Inclusive Schools”

  • Focus: Gender-inclusive practices that support LGBTQIA+ teachers. They offer resources on how to prevent and address bullying, as well as how to create classrooms that respect all gender identities.

  • Additional Resources: Guidelines for fostering safe and supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ teachers, addressing gender-based bullying, and integrating inclusive practices into school policies.

6. National Education Association (NEA)

• Website: www.nea.org

• Resources: The NEA offers a comprehensive collection of resources aimed at combating bullying and promoting inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ teachers and students. The NEA advocates for anti-bullying policies that protect LGBTQIA+ educators.

  • Program: “LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in Education”

  • Focus: Advocacy for LGBTQIA+ educators and the creation of inclusive school policies. They provide toolkits on advocating for anti-bullying measures and creating safe, supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ staff.

  • Additional Resources: Training for educators on how to address bullying, create inclusive curricula, and promote respect for LGBTQIA+ identities in the classroom.

7. Safe Schools Coalition

• Website: www.safeschoolscoalition.org

• Resources: The Safe Schools Coalition is an LGBTQIA+ advocacy group that works to reduce bullying and discrimination in schools, especially targeting LGBTQIA+ students and educators.

  • Program: “Safe Schools for All”

  • Focus: Anti-bullying strategies and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ teachers and students. The program provides resources for creating safe schools and workplaces for LGBTQIA+ educators, offering tips on reporting bullying and fostering inclusive classrooms.

  • Additional Resources: Materials that educate students and teachers about LGBTQIA+ inclusion and how to prevent bullying and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

8. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

• Website: www.hrc.org

• Resources: The HRC provides educational materials, including anti-bullying resources for LGBTQIA+ teachers and students. They offer comprehensive guides for educators on how to support LGBTQIA+ individuals.

  • Program: “HRC’s Welcoming Schools Program”

  • Focus: Creating inclusive environments and addressing LGBTQIA+ bullying in schools. The program offers professional development tools for educators on how to foster inclusivity and create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ teachers.

  • Additional Resources: Tools and resources to combat bullying, as well as materials for fostering LGBTQIA+ awareness and inclusivity in school curricula.

9. The National LGBTQ Task Force

• Website: www.thetaskforce.org

• Resources: The National LGBTQ Task Force offers resources to help educators and school administrators combat bullying and harassment against LGBTQIA+ students and staff.

  • Program: “LGBTQIA+ Youth Advocacy”

  • Focus: Advocacy and strategies for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in schools, including support for LGBTQIA+ teachers. They offer resources on creating safe spaces and anti-bullying policies that protect LGBTQIA+ staff and students.

  • Additional Resources: Legal guidance, professional development, and resources for creating an inclusive school culture that supports LGBTQIA+ educators.

10. Advocates for Youth

• Website: www.advocatesforyouth.org

• Resources: Advocates for Youth is an organization that promotes comprehensive sexual education and the safety of LGBTQIA+ youth, offering materials that also address the needs of LGBTQIA+ educators.

  • Program: “Safe Schools & Inclusive Classrooms”

  • Focus: Offering anti-bullying strategies for teachers and creating safe, inclusive classrooms for LGBTQIA+ educators and students. Their materials promote allyship, understanding, and support for LGBTQIA+ teachers.

  • Additional Resources: Workshops, toolkits, and guides for creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for LGBTQIA+ educators.

Key Strategies for Combating Bullying of LGBTQIA+ Teachers

1. Professional Development: Attending workshops or training sessions that focus on LGBTQIA+ inclusion, anti-bullying strategies, and creating a respectful classroom environment.

2. School Policies: Advocate for school policies that explicitly protect LGBTQIA+ teachers and students from harassment and discrimination.

3. Allyship: Build strong alliances with other educators, staff, and students who are supportive of LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion.

4. Education and Awareness: Use curriculum and discussions to educate students about LGBTQIA+ identities and issues, fostering respect and understanding.

5. Support Systems: Establish a network of LGBTQIA+ educators for mutual support, including resources like Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) and other peer groups.

National LGBTQIA+ Resources for Teachers By Topic

General LGBTQIA+ Resources for Educators

1. GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network)
   Website: www.glsen.org
   GLSEN provides educators with resources, research, and professional development to help create safe and inclusive schools for LGBTQIA+ students. Their resources include lesson plans, tools for creating Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), and guidelines for supporting LGBTQIA+ students in classrooms.

2. Teaching Tolerance (Southern Poverty Law Center)
   Website: www.tolerance.org
   Teaching Tolerance offers a wide range of resources for K–12 educators, including curriculum guides, lesson plans, and professional development. They focus on fostering inclusion, equity, and respect for all students, including LGBTQIA+ students.

3. LGBTQ+ History Month
   Website: www.lgbtqhistorymonth.com
   This site provides resources for educators to incorporate LGBTQIA+ history into the curriculum, highlighting influential figures, events, and milestones in LGBTQIA+ history.

Support for LGBTQIA+ Students

4. The Trevor Project
   Website: www.thetrevorproject.org
   The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ youth. It also offers educational resources, including a toolkit for teachers and school professionals to support LGBTQIA+ students and prevent bullying.

5. Human Rights Campaign (HRC) – Welcoming Schools
   Website: www.welcomingschools.org
   Welcoming Schools offers K–8 educators resources for creating inclusive, accepting, and respectful school environments for LGBTQIA+ students. They provide professional development, lesson plans, and guidelines for addressing gender diversity and LGBTQIA+ issues in the classroom.

6. PFLAG National
   Website: www.pflag.org
   PFLAG is the first and largest organization for LGBTQIA+ people, their parents, families, and allies. They offer support resources, educational materials, and guides for teachers to help create inclusive environments.

LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Curriculum and Lesson Plans

7. LGBTQIA+ Youth Resources – Safe Schools Coalition
   Website: www.safeschoolscoalition.org
   Safe Schools Coalition provides resources and practical tools for creating LGBTQIA+ inclusive school environments. They offer training, educational resources, and strategies for integrating LGBTQIA+ issues into the curriculum.

8. Gender Spectrum
   Website: www.genderspectrum.org
   Gender Spectrum focuses on supporting the understanding of gender diversity in educational environments. They provide training, resources, and tools for addressing gender issues in the classroom and promoting gender-inclusive policies.

9. LGBTQ+ Curriculum Guide – The Equality Network
   Website: www.equalitynetwork.org
   The Equality Network offers a curriculum guide designed to help educators address LGBTQIA+ topics in age-appropriate ways. It includes lesson plans and suggested reading lists for incorporating LGBTQIA+ content into the classroom.

LGBTQIA+ Anti-Bullying Resources

10. StopBullying.gov
    Website: www.stopbullying.gov
    StopBullying.gov provides information and resources for preventing bullying, including specific information about how bullying affects LGBTQIA+ youth. The site offers resources for teachers on identifying, preventing, and addressing bullying in the classroom.

11. The Safe Zone Project
    Website: www.thesafezoneproject.com
    The Safe Zone Project offers LGBTQIA+ training for teachers and school professionals, including posters, badges, and materials to help create a safe space for LGBTQIA+ students and promote inclusion.

12. LGBTQIA+ Youth Support – GLAAD
    Website: www.glaad.org
    GLAAD provides resources to help teachers better understand and support LGBTQIA+ students, as well as tools to promote LGBTQIA+ inclusion and combat homophobia and transphobia in schools.

Resources for Supporting Transgender and Nonbinary Students

13. Transgender Equality – Human Rights Campaign
    Website: www.hrc.org
    HRC provides a comprehensive resource section on transgender issues, including guidance for schools and educators to support transgender and nonbinary students. It includes legal considerations, school policies, and best practices for inclusion.

14. Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue
    Book: By Nicholas M. Teich
    This book provides educators with the tools to understand and support transgender students. It is a helpful resource for teachers who want to deepen their knowledge of transgender issues in schools.

15. Gender Odyssey
    Website: www.genderodyssey.org
    Gender Odyssey offers professional development and workshops for educators and school professionals to help them better support transgender and gender-diverse students.

LGBTQIA+ Professional Development for Educators

16. National LGBTQ Task Force
    Website: www.thetaskforce.org
    The National LGBTQ Task Force offers advocacy, research, and education, and provides resources for educators to create inclusive classrooms and schools. They also offer training for educators to increase awareness and understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues.

17. OutRight Action International
    Website: www.outrightinternational.org
    OutRight offers resources, research, and tools for educators to help foster LGBTQIA+ inclusivity globally, including a focus on gender and sexual diversity in educational settings.

18. Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network (GSA Network)
    Website: www.gsanetwork.org
    GSA Network supports youth-led groups and provides resources for educators looking to foster safe and inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ students through the formation and support of GSAs.

LGBTQIA+ Family Support and Resources

19. Family Acceptance Project
    Website: www.familyproject.sfsu.edu
    The Family Acceptance Project offers resources for supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and their families, with specific guides for educators to help bridge the gap between home and school in supporting LGBTQIA+ students.

20. PFLAG: Creating Safe and Inclusive Schools
    Website: www.pflag.org
    PFLAG offers resources for teachers to engage with families of LGBTQIA+ students and to provide strategies for supporting both students and their families.

LGBTQIA+ Student Advocacy and Policy

21. National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)
    Website: www.nclrights.org
    NCLR advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights, providing information and legal resources for schools and educators. They also offer advocacy strategies for supporting LGBTQIA+ students within the context of school policy and legal protections.

22. Lambda Legal
    Website: www.lambdalegal.org
    Lambda Legal provides legal resources for educators and students on LGBTQIA+ rights in schools, focusing on anti-discrimination, the rights of transgender students, and advocating for supportive policies.

LGBTQIA+ Parent & Family Support

23. LGBTQ+ Parents – Family Equality Council
    Website: www.familyequality.org
    The Family Equality Council works to ensure that LGBTQ+ families are included and supported in schools. They offer resources for teachers on creating inclusive environments for children with LGBTQ+ parents.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention

1. The Trevor Project

• Website: www.thetrevorproject.org

• Resources: The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on suicide prevention for LGBTQIA+ youth. They offer a 24/7 crisis intervention hotline, counseling services, and a variety of resources for both students and educators.

  • Crisis Support: TrevorLifeline, a confidential and toll-free 24/7 suicide prevention hotline (1-866-488-7386).

  • Online Tools: TrevorText (text support) and TrevorChat (online chat).

  • Educational Resources: Training for educators and school staff to help recognize signs of suicide risk and to create safer, more inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ students.

2. GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network)

• Website: www.glsen.org

• Resources: GLSEN works to create safe and inclusive schools for LGBTQ+ students by providing tools and support to educators. They offer specific resources related to mental health and suicide prevention.

  • Safe Schools Program: GLSEN helps create safe, inclusive environments where LGBTQ+ students are less likely to experience bullying, which can contribute to suicidal ideation.

  • Educational Tools: Resources for educators on how to address LGBTQ+ mental health, reduce bullying, and provide support for LGBTQ+ students.

  • Mental Health Resources: Resources for discussing mental health in the classroom, recognizing warning signs of suicide, and helping students access support.

3. PFLAG National

• Website: www.pflag.org

• Resources: PFLAG provides resources for parents, educators, and LGBTQ+ students to support mental health and suicide prevention.

  • Support Groups: PFLAG offers local chapters where LGBTQ+ youth and their families can find support and resources in a welcoming, safe environment.

  • Educational Materials: Guides for parents and educators on supporting LGBTQ+ youth, fostering acceptance, and promoting mental wellness.

4. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

• Website: www.afsp.org

• Resources: The AFSP provides suicide prevention education, advocacy, and mental health resources. Their initiatives include special outreach to LGBTQ+ communities to raise awareness and reduce suicide risk.

  • Suicide Prevention Programs: AFSP’s programs include education for schools, training for teachers, and mental health resources specifically geared toward LGBTQ+ students.

  • LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Resources: AFSP has created materials and resources to support mental health in LGBTQ+ populations, including educational brochures and guides for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies.

5. Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)

• Website: www.sprc.org

• Resources: SPRC offers a wide range of resources for suicide prevention, including tools aimed at LGBTQ+ populations.

  • LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention: They offer evidence-based strategies and resources that address the specific risk factors affecting LGBTQ+ students, including resources for educators, schools, and families.

  • Training & Webinars: SPRC provides training opportunities to help educators, counselors, and mental health professionals better understand the needs of LGBTQ+ students at risk for suicide.

6. The National LGBTQ Task Force

• Website: www.thetaskforce.org

• Resources: The National LGBTQ Task Force advocates for the inclusion and mental health of LGBTQ+ students, providing resources and guidelines for suicide prevention.

  • Suicide Prevention Advocacy: The Task Force works to influence policy and raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, including those at risk for suicide.

  • Mental Health Resources: They provide resources for both mental health professionals and LGBTQ+ students, advocating for better access to mental health care and resources.

7. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

• Website: www.hrc.org

• Resources: The HRC provides resources that support mental health and safety for LGBTQ+ youth. They focus on fostering safe school environments that are essential for reducing the risks of suicide among LGBTQ+ students.

  • Welcoming Schools Program: HRC’s program supports LGBTQ+ youth and families by promoting inclusive school policies and practices that reduce bullying, a key factor in suicide prevention.

  • LGBTQ+ Youth & Mental Health Resources: Guides and tips for educators, parents, and students to help manage mental health and avoid suicide risks.

8. Mental Health America (MHA)

• Website: www.mhanational.org

• Resources: Mental Health America provides a variety of resources to support mental health for LGBTQ+ students, focusing on suicide prevention and intervention strategies.

  • Mental Health Screening: MHA offers online screening tools that can help LGBTQ+ youth assess their mental health, including risk factors for suicide.

  • Youth Mental Health Resources: They offer resources on reducing stigma around mental health care, as well as strategies for suicide prevention tailored to LGBTQ+ youth.

9. Transgender Suicide Prevention Resources

• Website: www.transgenderosf.org Website no longer active

• Resources: This organization offers specific resources aimed at transgender youth, a group that faces a heightened risk for suicide.

  • Mental Health Resources: Tools to help educators and parents understand the unique challenges faced by transgender students, including the mental health impacts of gender dysphoria, discrimination, and rejection.

  • Advocacy & Education: Resources that provide guidance on how to address the needs of transgender students, and prevent suicide through inclusive practices.

10. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

• Website: www.nami.org

• Resources: NAMI offers extensive materials to support LGBTQ+ students struggling with mental health challenges, including suicide prevention strategies.

  • Youth Programs: NAMI’s programs support LGBTQ+ youth with mental health conditions, offering guidance for educators and family members to help prevent suicide.

  • Support & Advocacy: NAMI advocates for better access to mental health resources for LGBTQ+ students and provides educational tools to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health.

Effective Suicide Prevention Strategies for Educators

1. Create an Inclusive Environment: Schools should promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and create safe spaces for students. Use inclusive language and celebrate diversity to reduce the stigma that can contribute to mental health struggles.

2. Educate and Train Staff: Ensure that teachers, counselors, and staff members are trained to recognize signs of distress, depression, or suicidal ideation among LGBTQ+ students. Implement programs like QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) for suicide prevention.

3. Foster Supportive Peer Networks: Encourage the formation of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) and other LGBTQ+ student groups that provide peer support and build a sense of community.

4. Provide Mental Health Resources: Offer access to LGBTQ+ affirming counseling services. Collaborate with mental health professionals who are trained in working with LGBTQ+ youth to provide on-site resources.

5. Encourage Open Communication: Create a classroom culture where LGBTQ+ students feel safe discussing their identities. Ensure students know they can approach trusted adults about their mental health concerns without fear of discrimination or retaliation.

6. Monitor and Address Bullying: Bullying is a significant risk factor for suicide in LGBTQ+ youth. Schools must adopt and enforce anti-bullying policies that specifically include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.

7. Engage Families: Support the involvement of families in the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ students. Provide resources for parents to better understand their child’s needs and support them during times of crisis.