October
is LGBTQ Month!
Share this infographic from National PTA this month!
Here are some facts to learn and share to help
you create a more diverse and inclusive PTA that help LGBTQ youth potential a
reality and support youth and families.
The first LGBTQ PTA was formed in 2017 in Long
Island, New York. The Long Island Gay PTA supports LGBTQ familes and youth and
helps all families and PTAs to do the same.
40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ but make
up less than 7% of the total youth population! (source 1800RUNAWAY.com)
The CDC/s 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Study* found
the following statistics for LGBTQ students:
10% did not attend
school because they did not feel safe going to or being at school
63% felt sad or hopeless
47.7% seriously
considered suicide
28% attempted suicide
How can
you and your PTA help LGBTQ youth in your community?
1.Share resources with students, teachers, and
families.
PFLAG (Parents,
Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
The Trevor Project (A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth.
The Trevor Project (A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth.
GLSEN (Gay
Lesbian Straight Education Network)
It Gets Better
(empowers and connects LGBTQ youth)
2.Create a safe space for students at your PTA
events. (GLSEN Safe
Space Kit)
3.Help students create ally groups because
schools with ally groups make all students feel welcome.
4. Be inclusive in your language - LGBT+ includes
all sexual and gender minorities and ask what pronouns you should use. It’s courteous not offending.
5. Build strong connections and open
communication with students. They may
not be receiving support at home or school.
Nicole
Lesnick, Ohio PTA Director of Diversity and Inclusion