How To Be Supportive

Here's what you can do to be an ally to LGBTQ+ youth:

Classmates

• If you witness anti-LGBTQ harassment or discrimination, report it in writing to the school principal.

• Stand up for your LGBTQ friends, and voice your support for their being treated with respect and acceptance.

• Join GSA.

• Support friends in their decision to bring a same-sex date to the prom or other social events.

• Advocate for my school to adopt and enforce a nondiscrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

• Take out books by LGBTQ authors and about LGBTQ people and issues from the school library.

Faculty and Staff

• Make your classroom a safe space where antigay language is not tolerated.

• Advocate for your school to adopt and enforce a nondiscrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

• Request books by LGBT authors and about LGBT people and issues for the school library.

• Consider being an advisor for a GSA.

• Ensure school events include everyone.

• Create an inclusive curriculum that highlights the contributions of LGBT individuals.

• Create displays and/or lesson plans about LGBT History Month.

Parents and Family Members

• Support your children and their friends who question their sexuality or identify as LGBTQ.

• Be available to meet with school faculty or staff about these issues.

• Help your children or their friends file complaints about discrimination or harassment.

• Help organize events like celebrations for LGBTQ History Month.

• Hold your child’s school accountable for violating the school district’s nondiscrimination policy or state laws.

If you’ve done any of these things, then you’re already an ally—keep up the good work! If you haven’t, now is a great time to start.

(reprinted with slight changes from http://www.lambdalegal.org/know-your-rights/article/youth-gay-straight-alliances. )