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How to be an Ally for LGBTQ Students. Jenn Jevertson, MS Karen Rencountre Santa Fe Mountain Center’s NM GSA Network. Agenda. Welcome, Intros Understanding Terms Impact of Language Challenges & Risk Factors Protective Factors How to be a “Super Ally”. Terms. Gender Identity Male
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How to be an Allyfor LGBTQ Students Jenn Jevertson, MS Karen Rencountre Santa Fe Mountain Center’s NM GSA Network
Agenda • Welcome, Intros • Understanding Terms • Impact of Language • Challenges & Risk Factors • Protective Factors • How to be a “Super Ally”
Terms • Gender Identity • Male • Female • Transgender • Transexual • Intersex • GenderQueer • Gender Non-Conforming • Sexual Orientation • Gay • Lesbian • Bisexual • Queer • Asexual • Pansexual Other terms: Two Spirit (2S), Fluid…
Risk Factors of LGBTQ Youth • Bullying • Mental Health • School Climate(grades, attendance) • Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs • Risky Behavior
Risk Factors of LGBTQ Youth • Nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students experienced harassment at school in the past year • 61% felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation • About a third (33%) skipped a day of school in the past month because of feeling unsafe • Are bullied two to three times more • Four times more likelyto attempt suicidethan their heterosexual peers
Risk Factors of LGBTQ Youth • 190% more likely to use drugs and alcohol than are heterosexual teens • LGBTQ youth in rural communities and those with lower adult educational attainment face particularly hostile school climates • 20-40% of all homeless youth identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender
Protective Factors of LGBTQ Youth • GSA Clubs • Safe Zones Programs • Adult Allies
Protective Factors of LGBTQ Youth Gay Straight Alliance Clubs (GSAs) • LGBT students at schools with a GSA: • Less likely to report feeling unsafe • More likely to report supportive school staff • Report higher grade point averages and are more likely to pursue post-secondary education • Greater sense of belonging to school community
Protective Factors of LGBTQ Youth Safe Zones Programs • School staff self-identify Safe Zones as free from harassment, bullying, discrimination, etc., including derogatory language • Often part of a district wide implementation • Roots are LGBT, but goes beyond that today
4 Ways You Can Be An ALLY • Intervene when you see bullying or harassment of any type, but especially when related to LGBTQ • Stop LGTBQ derogatory language (“That’s so gay” and “Don’t be such a faggot”) • Use inclusive language; don’t assume (ie “someone special” or “significant other” instead of opposite sex boyfriend/girlfriend) • Support the GSA club at your school • Become a Safe Zone
Contact Us • Santa Fe Mountain Center’sNM GSA Networkwww.santafemc.org/nmgsan • Jenn Jevertson, M.S.Program Manager505-983-6158 x13 or jenn@santafemc.org • Karen RencountreProgram Coordinator505-983-6158 x30 or karen@santafemc.org