June is Pride Month! Celebrate by learning more about how to support LGBTQ+ Students.
ASCA's ethical and professional standards clearly outline the imperative that school counselors address barriers to student success. The ethical standards state "School Counselors respect students' and families' values, beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identification/expression and cultural background and exercise great care to avoid imposing personal beliefs or values rooted in one's religion, culture, or ethnicity. The ASCA National Model also requires school counselors to be leaders, advocates, agents of systemic change, and collaborators. We cannot be all of these things without addressing our biases and the institutional structure/policies that create barriers for our students. Below are links to resources meant to support your work in school counseling programming and personal/professional development.
What Does LGBTQ+ Mean? LGBTQ+ is an acronym for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer” with a "+" sign to recognize the limitless sexual orientations and gender identities used by members of our community (definition from The Human Rights Campaign, see link below).
Check out The Human Rights Campaign Glossary of Terms for an expansive list of terms that can be used to support LGBTQ+ individuals.
Genderbread Person - The "Genderbread Person" can be used to help understand the gender as a concept. This resource is most appropriate for school counselors and educators to understand gender and not for use with PK-12 students in Iowa.
American School Counseling Association (ASCA) Position Statements & Resources
- Supporting LGBTQ+ Students
- The School Counselor and Gender Equity
- The School Counselor and LGBTQ Youth (ASCA)
- The School Counselor and Transgender/Gender-nonconforming Youth (ASCA)
Educator Resources
- The Safe zone project
- Coming out for African Americans
- Answers to Your Questions About Transgender People, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health - Resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with relevant statistics and tips for schools and parents.
- Understanding Sexual Minority Adolescents
- Creating Safer Spaces for LGBTQ Youth - Advocates for Youth Toolkit for educators, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
Caregiver Resources
- PFLAG - The largest organization for LGBTQ+ people, families, friends, and allies. PFLAG offers support groups for LGBTQ+ people and their families across the US. Go to their website to find your local chapter.
- Parents’ Influence on the Health of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Teens - Parent handout from the CDC.
Links to State of Iowa resources
- Des Moines Pride Center - Des Moines-based organization's Facebook page.
- First Friday Breakfast Club - Des Moines-based educational group for gay, bisexual, and transgender men. Advocacy group that also provides scholarships to high school students.
- Iowa Safe Schools
- One Iowa
Links to National resources
- Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
- Welcoming Schools – A project of the Human Rights Campaign (Welcoming Schools offers professional development tools, lessons aligned with the Common Core State Standards, and many additional resources for elementary schools)
- The Human Rights Campaign #WeShowUp
- The Community of LGBT Centers – Center Links
- Gender Spectrum
- GLAAD
- The National Center for Transgender Equality
- True Colors Fund – Ending Homelessness for LGBT youth
- Health Care Equality Index – LGBTQ friendly doctors and clinics
- The Yes Institute
- The Alliance – 305-899-8087
- Gay Straight Alliance Network
Resources for Students
- Trans Life Line – Hotline: (877) 565-8860
- The Trevor Project (crisis interventions) – Hotline: 866-488-7386
- Coming out Resource Guide - Guide for students from the Human Rights Campaign
- Iowa State Univ LGBTSS - Iowa State University Center for LGBTQIA+ Students
- University of Iowa MEDIQS (Med Iowa's Queer Students)
- University of Northern Iowa LGBT* Center
- LGBTQ+ Resources for College Students