Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth

At a glance

  • LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than heterosexual youth to experience violence at school and have lower levels of school connectedness.
  • Several practices can improve the health, safety, and school connectedness for LGBTQ+ youth by addressing stigma and bias. Among them are conducting professional development with school staff, allowing LGBTQ+ students equal access to student-led clubs, and creating inclusive school and district policies.
  • Practices that reduce LGBTQ+ stigma can promote the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth and foster school connectedness. These practices have also been shown to benefit the whole school environment.
Multiracial LGBQ+ students having fun together sitting outside school.

Professional development

Professional development for teachers and school staff should address fundamental knowledge about:

  • Concepts of sexual orientation and identity development, including appropriate language.
  • Health risks faced by LGBTQ+ students.
  • Effects of the school environment on the health of LGBTQ+ youth.
  • Supportive school policies and practices—such as student-led clubs, safe spaces, and inclusive curricula.

Did you know?

Conducting professional development with school staff is a best practice for improving the health, safety, and school connectedness for LGBTQ+ youth.

Supportive practices

Student-led clubs

Students in schools nationwide have created and led clubs where students with LGBTQ+ identities and their allies can socialize, provide support, and work together to create safe and supportive school environments. The clubs are under the guidance and supervision of a school staff sponsor. These clubs can:

  • Help change school environments to be more welcoming and supportive of all students.
  • Provide valuable leadership opportunities to students.
  • Improve the mental health and well-being of all students in a school.

Safe spaces

Why it's important

A group of LGBTQ+ youth talking and laughing.
  • Safe spaces are places that students know they can turn to for support.
  • Safe spaces are important for LGBTQ+ youth who experience bullying more often than heterosexual youth.

  • Any school staff willing and open to provide nonjudgmental support can be a safe space.
  • Trainings exist to help staff who are interested in offering a safe space but may not know how best to provide support.
  • Use of physical markers like flags or stickers can identify a safe space for students.

Positive youth development

Positive youth development (PYD) helps strengthen protective factors. These factors can include skills, abilities, and supportive relationships. PYD programs have improved sexual health and should be open and welcoming to LGBTQ+ youth.

See Also:

Inclusive sexual health education

Sex education that is relevant to LGBTQ+ youth can:

  • Increase these students' use of condoms.
  • Encourage students to talk with their partner about safer sex.

Parent engagement

Family acceptance has been linked to positive health outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth.

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Content Source:
Adolescent and School Health; National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP)