On June 28, 1970, the first official Pride Parade was held in New York City on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. It took nearly 30 years after this parade for June to be officially established as Pride Month in 1999. And now, over 50 years after the riots that sparked the LGBTQ+ Rights movement, Pride Month has become a time to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community, not only in the United States but across the globe.
As school administrators use the summer to finalize plans for the upcoming school year, this month offers a unique opportunity to discuss how schools can create environments where all students, including LGBTQ+ students, feel safe and accepted.
The Importance of Student Support
More than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ people ages 13-25 seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. — and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds. Students who are members of other marginalized groups report disproportionate rates of suicide risk as well.
The Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey found that nearly all LGBTQ+ young people of color reported higher rates of attempting suicide than their white peers in the past year, with Native American Two-Spirit and Black transgender and nonbinary individuals at the highest risk of attempting suicide.
Many LGBTQ+ students face additional challenges like bullying and discrimination that only amplify their mental health struggles. These negative experiences can lead to higher absenteeism, lower academic aspirations, and increased mental health issues. When LGBTQ+ students feel accepted at school, they are less likely to experience depression and anxiety. They also have lower rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts.
The Current Challenges for Educators
In the present cultural and political climate of the United States, educators face significant challenges in supporting LGBTQ+ students due to various external pressures and policies. Legislation in some states has sought to limit discussions on LGBTQ+ topics, creating an environment of uncertainty.
Educators often find themselves balancing these constraints with their desire to support students inclusively and affirmatively. A lack of training and resources can leave them feeling unprepared to address the specific needs of LGBTQ+ students effectively while adhering to all state and federal guidelines.
Despite these challenges, educators can play a pivotal role in fostering a positive school climate and improving the educational environment for every student, including LGBTQ+ students. Above all else, the most important thing any student needs to thrive is a sense of safety and belonging. This fundamental need is the cornerstone of a positive educational experience and overall well-being.
How Schools Can Help
When schools embrace diversity and actively work to build inclusive environments, every student, including LGBTQ+ students, can feel valued and supported. By implementing thoughtful strategies like these and nurturing an atmosphere of acceptance, you can ensure that all students have the foundation they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally:
- Advocate for Inclusive Policies: Support the implementation and enforcement of nondiscrimination and anti-bullying policies that specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. Clear policies help set expectations and intervention protocols for disruptive behavior.
- Foster Professional Development: Partner with providers like eLuma to offer staff training on addressing student mental health and behavioral challenges using trauma-informed, inclusive practices. Well-informed educators can create more supportive classrooms and proactively address students’ needs.
- Establish Safe Spaces: Designate safe spaces where students can find support, such as counselors’ offices or group counseling circles. Safe spaces provide a sense of belonging for students who may not have supportive environments at home.
- Supportive Organizations and Clubs: Encourage the formation of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) or similar clubs that celebrate identity and cultivate community. These organizations help connect students with supportive peers and adults, promote discussions about diversity, and foster a sense of community.
Organizations like GLSEN offer helpful tools, including start-up guides and student advocacy resources, to help your school’s GSA get off the ground.
- Create an Inclusive Curriculum: Incorporate diverse role models, history, and contributions into the curriculum. Celebrating many identities in educational materials helps all students understand and appreciate diversity, reducing prejudice and promoting acceptance.
- Provide Access to Resources: Partner with providers like eLuma to ensure students have access to mental health services provided by culturally competent professionals.
In crisis situations, organizations like The Trevor Project offer crisis counselors trained to answer calls, chats, or texts from LGBTQ+ young people when they are struggling with issues such as coming out, LGBTQ+ identity, depression, and suicide. - Monitor and Assess School Climate: Assess the school climate and student risk factors to identify areas for improvement or intervention. Tools like universal screeners can help schools track progress and make data-driven decisions.
- Confront Personal Biases: Educators, parents, and administrators should reflect on their own biases and commit to being steadfast advocates for marginalized students. This involves ongoing education, self-awareness, and a dedication to creating an inclusive environment.
Advocacy in Action
At eLuma, we understand the importance of creating supportive and inclusive environments for students, especially those from marginalized communities like the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month is a time to celebrate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and a poignant reminder of the ongoing work needed to create inclusive environments where every student can succeed. By implementing these strategies and leveraging resources like those offered by eLuma, schools can play a vital role in supporting the mental health and well-being of the entire school community.
We are proud to partner with schools in their efforts to create an inclusive and supportive school climate and address student mental health and behavioral challenges head-on. Together, we can build a brighter future where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Click here for more information on how eLuma can support your school.