LGBTQ+
We are committed to supporting the needs of all students, their families, and school staff. Our number one priority is to provide a safe learning environment with mutual respect and tolerance for all.
This webpage is organized to highlight student, family and staff resources; however, everyone is encouraged to view all the available links below.
Student Resources
Our trained counselors are here to support you 24/7.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call:
The TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386
Q Chat Space provides online discussion groups for LGBTQ+ teens ages 13 to 19. It is not a forum. It is live and chat based; there is no video or audio. Everyone is chatting during the same pre-scheduled time.
Conversations are facilitated by experienced staff who work at LGBTQ+ centers around the country. Q Chat Space facilitators are NOT mental health professionals. This is not a crisis center. If you are in crisis or need help immediately, please click here.
The It Gets Better Project fulfills its mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe in two ways:
Storytelling. The It Gets Better Project connects young LGBTQ+ people with the global LGBTQ+ community by providing access to an arsenal of uplifting and inspiring stories of hope, resilience, and determination, as told by members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
Building community. The It Gets Better Project builds community both internationally and locally by (a) cultivating a growing network of international affiliates* that have embraced the It Gets Better Project’s mission to support LGBTQ+ youth in their home countries, (b) engaging with young LGBTQ+ people both on and offline, and (c) connecting them to local community service providers that can provide on-the-ground assistance.
The TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation (TKPRF) aims to enhance the lives of transgender and gender non-conforming youth and their families. We strive to create more acceptance and understanding in society through a message of unconditional love, awareness, and tolerance.
The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates changing policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice.
Youth Shelter: Our House - A temporary teen runaway shelter for ages 12-17. Identified as LGBTQ affirming. Our House is a shelter for homeless youth who have either run away or been thrown out of their homes. Our House provides counseling and supportive services.
24 hour hotline: 760-949-4357
Health Care Resources
Some children have a gender identity that is different from their gender assigned at birth, and many have interests and hobbies that may align with the other gender.
Some children, as the American Academy of Pediatrics explains, do not identify with either gender. They may feel like they are somewhere in between or have no gender. It is natural for parents to ask if it is "just a phase." But, there is no easy answer.
IEHP has a dedicated team of Care Managers who are familiar with Gender Health services and are ready to help with:
Referrals to see a specialist
Getting medical supplies
Getting medicines
Connecting you to community resources
Our physicians have taken special training in LGBTQ+ cultural and clinical competence.
GLMA is a national organization committed to ensuring health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and all sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals, and equality for LGBTQ/SGM health professionals in their work and learning environments. Provider location.
Societal factors such as bullying, violence, and discrimination heighten health risks for anyone. However, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ)* youth experience elevated risk and associated negative health and mental health outcomes. Recognizing these serious health risks, CDC works with national, state, and local partners to address the health, education, and safety needs of LGBTQ youth.
Parent & Family Resources
The PFLAG Chapter Network--with over 400 chapters across the country--provides confidential peer support, education, and advocacy to LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies. With 200,000+ members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas, PFLAG has been saving lives, strengthening families, and changing hearts, minds and laws since 1972. Riverside PFLAG
Staff Resources
The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law. We empower our 3 million members and supporters to mobilize against attacks on the most marginalized people in our community.
The Matthew Shepard Foundation’s mission is to amplify the story of Matthew Shepard to inspire individuals, organizations and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people. Our work is an extension of Matt’s passion to foster a more caring and just world. We share his story and embody his vigor for civil rights to change the hearts and minds of others to accept everyone as they are.
GSA Network is a next-generation LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities.
Terminology
Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression (SOGIE) describes a wider spectrum of all people, not only the “LGBTQ” (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, queer) community.
For more Terminology visit the Human Rights Campaign.
District Policies
Board Policy 5131.2 - Bullying
The SanBernardino City USD recognizes the harmful effects of bullying on student learning and school attendance and desires to provide safe school environments that protects students from physical and emotional harm. District employees shall establish student safety as a high priority and shall not tolerate bullying of any student.
Board Policy 5145.3 - Gender Identity and Nondiscrimination
This policy should be understood and interpreted in furtherance of the District's clear policy goals of reducing stigma and ensuring the integration of transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming students in all educational programs and activities.
Board Policies 5145.9 - Hate Motivated Behavior
The Board of Education affirms the right of every student to be protected from hate-motivated behavior. It is the intent of the Board to promote harmonious relationships that enable students to gain a true understanding of the civil rights and social responsibilities of people in our society. Behavior or statements that degrade an individual on the basis of his/her race, ethnicity, culture, heritage, gender, sexual orientation, physical/mental attributes, religious beliefs or practices shall not be tolerated.
Board Policies 5137 - Positive School Climate
The Board of Education desires to provide an orderly, caring and nondiscriminatory learning environment in which all students can feel comfortable and take pride in their school and their achievements.
Dress Code Policy
Support Plans
California Laws
AB 9 SETH’S LAW: Updates anti-bullying policies and programs in K-12 schools to be LGBTQ inclusive, and mandates school personnel to intervene when they witness an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
SB 48 FAIR Education Act: Requires schools to provide general instruction and textbooks that include information on the contributions of LGBTQ Americans, and other ethnic and cultural groups.
AB 1266 SCHOOL SUCCESS & OPPORTUNITY ACT: Ensures that students can fully participate in all school activities, sports teams, programs, and facilities that match their gender identity.
AB 1732 SINGLE-USER RESTROOM: Requires restrooms for single users to be designated for all genders.
AB 329 CALIFORNIA HEALTHY YOUTH ACT: Mandates that all public schools include comprehensive information on sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV prevention, among other areas, in their sexual health curriculum (7th-12th).