SUPPORTING ALL STUDENTS:

LGBTQIA RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS

Tobin Bakkedahl

Professional School Counselor

October 2013

OBJECTIVES Provide knowledge, practical application

and resources to educators who work with the LGBTQIA community.LesbianGayBisexualTransgenderQuestioning IntersexedAllies

HETEROSEXUALITY QUIZ What do you think caused your heterosexuality? When and how did you first decide you were

heterosexual? Could it be a phase and you will grow out of it? If you have never had an intimate relationship

with the same sex how do you know you wouldn’t prefer it?

Who have you told? How did they react? Why are you always flaunting your

heterosexuality? Most child molesters are heterosexual men, is it

safe to expose your children to these people?

BACKGROUND 9 million Americans self-identify as LGBT

(The Williams Institute, 2011) Attended Supporting Students, Saving

Lives Conference in February Unwelcoming educational environments Uncomfortable topic for educators Support educators in systemic change National recognition vs. local districts

DOMA

LGBT STATISTICS

10% identify or have important LGBT people in their lives

4 times more likely to attempt suicide 8 times more likely to attempt suicide with

highly rejecting families 62%-89% frequently heard derogatory remarks

at school 61% felt unsafe at school because of orientation 20% to 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBT

www.fortytonone.org

WHAT CAUSES LGBT Not well understood Greater acceptance of biological vs.

choice Reparative or conversion therapy

IneffectivePotentially harmful

Not a result of trauma or abuse Existence around the world and

throughout time Identification of the community is a

modern development

STAGES OF IDENTITY-CASS MODEL 1. Identity Confusion 2. Identity Comparison 3. Identity Tolerance 4. Identity Acceptance 5. Identity Pride 6. Identity Synthesis

CAN YOU SPOT THE GAY How do you validate/mirror something

you can’t see?

TRAUMA OF GROWING UP LGBT Heterosexism

Limited validation of identity, values, challenges

Validation and mirroring Important in self esteem Self-identity

Disassociation is effect of targeted traumaCompounded when LGBT person of color

Internalized HomophobiaDenial, self hate, dislike of same sex

attractionContaminates identify formationHow might you recognize this?

LGBT AFFIRMATIVE INTERVENTIONS Self-Disclosure

Come out or identify Null-Environment

Talk! Educate

Heteronormativity “Normal” social activity, modern shift Heterosexual roles romanticized vs. sexualized

Heterosexism Superiority Rights and privileges denied

Oppression Orientation doesn’t cause depression, homophobia

does.

WHAT SCHOOLS CAN DO Welcoming, safe, and inclusive school

climate Encourage policies that include sexual

orientation, gender identity and gender expression

Establish a Gay Straight Club (GSA) Develop comprehensive staff development

Free from www.nea.org Include LGBT people and topics in

curriculum In-depth training for specialty staff Unlock key LGBT websites from firewall

INDIVIDUAL EDUCATORS Be a visible ally and identify other allies

www.glsen.org Human Rights Campaign

Identify outside school resources www.thetrevorproject.com www.itgetsbetter.org

Be the GSA advisor www.gsanetwork.org

Share relevant data with administration for PD Include LGBT Individual/Family books in library Use all inclusive language Get involved in your community

DIRECT COUNSELOR INTERVENTIONS Be yourself, be sincere Use terms the student uses Respect confidentiality Deal with feelings first Be supportive Anticipate confusion Help but don’t force Don’t guess Offer to help Be aware of depression Use role playing for societal situations Provide accurate sexual health information Be informed when making referrals

WELCOME TO HOLLAND

CASE STUDIES

ORGANIZATIONS AND RESOURCES

www.glsen.org www.thetrevorproject.org www.pflag.org www.welcomingschools.org www.itgetsbetter.org www.pointfoundation.org www.gsanetwork.org www.wegiveadamn.org www.familyproject.sfsu.edu www.teachingtolerance.org www.matthewsplace.com www.gayparentmag.com www.hrc.org www.colage.org www.pflag.org

www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights www.lambdalegal.org/issues/schools www.splcenter.org www.nclrights.org

http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/programs/hlgbsp/toolbox.aspx