Creating Safer Spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth

1. Creating Safer Spaces for LGBTQ Youth Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals Saturday, March 17, 2018 Jabari M. Lyles (he/him) Executive Director GLSEN Maryland

2. GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people. facebook.com/glsenmaryland @glsenmaryland chapter@glsenmaryland.org

3. Our Primary Message All students deserve a safe, supportive place to learn in school, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Addressing anti-LGBTQ bias in school makes schools safer for all.

4. GLSEN – A Brief History

5. GLSEN – National School Climate Survey

6. NSCS Findings www.glsen.org/nscs

7. Risk Factors for LGBTQ Youth • 26% of all LGBTQ+ youth report having to leave their family of origin due to rejection of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation • 30% of LGBTQ+ youth report experiencing physical violence within their family of origin after coming out • 40% of all homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+ ; 39% of LGBTQ+ homeless youth arrested each year • 78% of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care run away or are removed from their placements due to hostility towards their perceived sexuality and/or gender presentation • 1 in 2 transgender youth will attempt to commit suicide by the age of 20 • Family rejection is the single greatest predictor of involvement in the juvenile justice system for LGBTQ+ youth

8. Statistics: National School Climate Survey

9. Statistics: National School Climate Survey

10. Statistics: National School Climate Survey

11. In Maryland • In Maryland, over 3 in 5 transgender students (61%), were unable to use the school restroom that aligned with their gender. • Nearly half of transgender students (48%), were prevented from using their preferred name and gender pronouns in school.

12. Statistics: Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)

13. NSCS Findings

14. Statistics: National School Climate Survey

16. Terms & Definitions

17. Curriculum Resources

18. Policy 443 • Title: Creating Welcoming and Affirming schools for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Students. • Comprehensive, specific policy which provides guidelines for trans-specific concerns in schools. • Currently the only policy of its kind in Maryland. • Pulls from policy guidelines from GLSEN, MSDE, NSBA and MPSSAA. Supported by federal and state regulations.

19. Policy 443

20. Best Practices - Personal • Familiarize yourself with LGBTQ+ resources within the region • Post information about LGBTQ individuals and other communities • Educate yourself and others on the difference between “normal” and developmentally appropriate behaviors • Tuning into self: What are your values and triggers? • Ask/respect gender pronouns and preferred name • Use gender neutral language • Know the specific vulnerabilities and legal rights of LGBTQ+ youth • Speak out against discriminatory treatment and language • Don’t make assumptions, both about the youth themselves, or their experiences

21. Best Practices - Institutional • Conduct a climate survey at your school • Post in visible locations both the state's and the school systems' inclusive, comprehensive anti-bullying policies • Train all school personnel on policies and LGBT issues • Identify supportive staff to work with diversity clubs or GSA's (gay-straight alliances) • Examine your school's method for reporting incidents • Examine your school’s methods for record-keeping, gendered practices (bathrooms, graduation robes, etc.) • Work with the librarian towards inclusive collections of literature • PRINCIPALS TAKE THE LEAD

22. Thank You! GLSEN Maryland chapter@glsenmaryland.org | (443) 509-1108 facebook.com/glsenmaryland @glsenbaltimore chapter@glsenmaryland.org