LGBTQ Health: Information for Educators
Schools provide support, safety, and education for young people. They encourage social, emotional, and physical development.
However, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth may not get the same benefits from school as their peers. Compared to their non-LGBTQ peers, LGBTQ youth are less likely to feel like they belong at school. They are also less likely to feel like their teachers care about them. As a result, they are more likely to skip school.
LGBTQ youth are also at a higher risk of poor health outcomes. For example, LGBTQ youth are more likely to:
- Attempt suicide.
- Smoke.
- Initiate sex at a younger age.
- Report less support from parents and teachers.
The following resources can help educators understand the social and health needs of LGBTQ youth.
- Wisconsin HIV Training System—Resources to help develop HIV prevention, health education, or human sexuality courses
- Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools—Resources to create just schools for LGBTQ+ youth in Wisconsin
- National LGBTQ Task Force—LGBTQ resource page for issues ranging from parenting to aging
- Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays—Training, information, and tools to help LGTBQ allies promote LGBTQ health and well-being
- Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI): Safe Schools for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Students—Resources to support safety and respect of LGBTQ students in schools
- StopBullying.gov— Resources for stopping and preventing bullying
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—Free, 24/7 support service for people in stressful situations. This includes thoughts of suicide, mental health concerns, or substance abuse issues. Call or text 988.
- Top Health Issues for LGBT Populations Information & Resource Kit (PDF)— Information about current LGBTQ health issues