Healthy development depends on the interplay between protective and risk factors that affect a child through early adulthood. Identity formation, parent and peer relations, and connection to community. Research reveals that experiencing marginalization, physical or verbal threats, discrimination, victimization, and trauma can negatively affect physical, social, emotional, and mental health. For youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) or questioning (Q) their sexual orientation or gender identity, these risks present particular challenges to their well-being.
The following resources are intended to help identify and implement responsive and inclusive services for youth who are LGBT or questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. They promote the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of LGBTQ youth and create safe schools where LGBTQ students are free to learn without fear of violence or discrimination.
Related Resources
- A Practitioner's Resource Guide: Helping Families to Support Their LGBT Children
- Improving Policies and Practices for LGBTQ Children and Youth: A Strategic Planning Tool
- Recommended LGBTQ Children, Youth, and Families Cultural Competence Tools, Curricula, and Resources
- A Guide for Understanding, Supporting, and Affirming LGBTQI2-S Children, Youth, and Families
- Safe Space Kit: A Guide to Supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Students in Your School
- The Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth in Our Nation’s Schools (2011 National School Climate Survey)
- A Practitioner's Resource Guide: Helping Families to Support Their LGBT Children
- Building Support for Schools that Openly Affirm the Diversity of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
