We should be concerned about the well-being of LGBTQ+ students because they face disproportionately high rates of bullying, discrimination, and mental health challenges, which can negatively impact their academic success and overall well-being. Additionally, LGBTQ+ students are at higher risk than other students of developing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. They also have higher rates of contemplating, attempting, and dying by suicide. LGBQ+ students were more likely to experience mental health and suicide risk than their heterosexual peers. According to 2023 YRBS data, "stress associated with rejection, marginalization, and discrimination and with trauma related to personal victimization contribute to depressive symptoms, suicide risk, and other disparities in behavioral health outcomes for LGBQ+ youth (10)". Here are some facts about our LGBTQ+ students here in RI:

• 16.2% of RI students identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual; 4.1% identified as “some other way,” and 5.1% were unsure (Rhode Island Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 2021)
• 3% of RI high school students describe themselves as transgender or not sure and 2% reported they “don’t know what this means.” (Rhode Island Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), 2021)
• 5% of PPSD students, grade 6-12 identified themselves as transgender or gender nonconforming. An additional 5% “preferred not to answer.” (SurveyWorks 2022)

How can we support our LGBTQ+ students?

• High levels of parental monitoring
• High levels of school connectedness
• Encourage eight hours of sleep
• High-quality team sports and physical education programs
• Culturally tailored prevention interventions, including suicide awareness and mental health literacy efforts that reduce stigma and support 
• Safe learning spaces that are welcoming and inclusive so that students feel connected and have a sense of belonging.
• High-quality Gender and Sexuality Alliances Clubs
  • A GSA is a type of student club, most often in high schools or middle schools, which provides a space for students to connect about issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation.
  • GSAs can help all students build an understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, as well as provide opportunities for peer support and community building.
  • To form a GSA or any student club, students should identify a staff member in their school to be an advisor, and follow the school’s protocol for establishing a club. Register your GSA or equity-related club here. Check out GLSEN and Youth Pride, Inc. for organizing ideas.
  • An overview of Gender Equity policies and procedures is available in our Resource Guide for Students and Families.

Supporting Our LGBTQ+ Youth- DO’s and DON’Ts

DO’s

• Normalize gender diversity and the needs of gender-diverse students. Since gender identity is not limited to boy or girl, provide options for nonbinary students who may not be comfortable in gender-segregated situations.

• Do acknowledge if you need more time or information to support a student

• Do commit to getting the information you need and following up with a resource or connection

• Do remember that identity is not singular but layered. Someone can experience harmony in all parts of their identity, and face roadblocks or discrimination due to bias toward their race, ethnicity, gender, etc.

• Advocate for LGBTQ and gender expansive students in the classroom, playing field, and beyond

• Do make an effort to learn about your students and take time to thoughtfully practice inclusive language

DON’Ts

• Don’t assume students’ gender or pronouns

• Don’t reduce or restrict gender to body parts

• Don’t use these terms: Biologically Male/Biologically Female/Genetically Male/Genetically Female/Born a Man/Born a Woman, Lifestyle. Sex Change or Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS), Sexual Preference, Transgendered (Verb), Transgenderism

• Don’t put your learning on students-- practice names, language, etc. Learning can not only happen through mistakes, but also through intentional, thoughtful and careful practice

• Use microaggressions, and beware of how implicit bias can manifest with the best intentions

• Don’t assume a deficit perspective. LGBTQ students are amazing and their futures are full of possibility.