GLSEN 1.0- Creating a Safe Space for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth 1.0 (Secondary Level)
Presented through the San Diego County of Education
(lunch and beverages were provided
and this was a FREE event, which was a plus!) Be on the look out for GLSEN 2.0 training in
the upcoming months as well as GLSEN 1.0 Creating a Safe Space for LGBTQ students at the
Elementary Level!
This presentation focused on training participants how
to support middle/high school students who are LGBTQ. Together, we can improve the experiences of LGBTQ students!
Who: Presenters:
Dennis Nicely-he/him/his
Irina Segade-she/her/hers
Target group: School Counselors and educators working with LGBTQ youth in schools
Target group: School Counselors and educators working with LGBTQ youth in schools
What:
1. To emphasize the importance of making schools safe and
respectful for all students through staff
training, GSA's, enumerated anti-bullying policy, and inclusive laws, and curriculum.
2. To explore LGBT terms and become familiar with LGBT contributions to our society.
training, GSA's, enumerated anti-bullying policy, and inclusive laws, and curriculum.
2. To explore LGBT terms and become familiar with LGBT contributions to our society.
3. To learn about state and federal legislation that deal with LGBT issues including the
FAIR Education Act or SB 48.
4.To understand the experience of LGBTQ+ students and learn how to be their ally.
5. To explore the issue of "intersectionality" of cultural identities and their relationship to LGBTQ+ discrimination
When: Monday, November 13, 2017 12:30pm-3:30pm
Where: Marina
Village Conference Center, Anchor Room (Building D)
Why: To better
and support LGBTQ+ students- GLESN believes all students deserve a safe, supportive
school environment free of bias-based behavior. Addressing anti-LBGTQ bias in
schools makes schools safer for all students, regardless of sexual orientation
and gender identity/expression.
GLESN believes that our cultural identities do not
function in isolation and it is important to consider those intersectionalities
when working with all youth.
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| Transgender statistics |
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| Safe Space Kit- complete with posters and stickers! |
Greetings educators! I am here to tell you about the GLSEN 1.0 -Creating a Safe Space for LGBT Youth 1.0 workshop I attended. As a former teacher and future School Counselor, I feel like I still am learning about how I can best support and be an ally to LGBTQ youth. I realized how essential creating a safe space at schools is for LGBTQ students. LGBTQ students need allies, caring adults that are willing to be leaders in their schools, promoting equality and fostering a respectful environment where all students feel welcome each day. I wanted to learn the tools that I can bring to my current school internship site and also to my school site when I become a future School Counselor.
Today's workshop began with the group of us speaking openly about LGBTQ terms and
definitions. A few new terms to me were cisgender (a person whose gender identity and expression
matches the gender typically associated with their biological sex. For example: a female who
identifies as a woman) and intersex (when a person is born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that
does not fit the typical definitions of female or male). It was also noted that it is very important to
respect people's desired self-identifications. One should never assume another person's identity based
on that person's appearance. It is always best to ask people how they identify, including what
pronouns they prefer and to respect their wishes. We then worked in pairs, exploring our own gender
and gender identities. Each pair shared out our earliest memories of both as well as our own learned
stereotypes regarding gender/gender identity.
Today's workshop began with the group of us speaking openly about LGBTQ terms and
definitions. A few new terms to me were cisgender (a person whose gender identity and expression
matches the gender typically associated with their biological sex. For example: a female who
identifies as a woman) and intersex (when a person is born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that
does not fit the typical definitions of female or male). It was also noted that it is very important to
respect people's desired self-identifications. One should never assume another person's identity based
on that person's appearance. It is always best to ask people how they identify, including what
pronouns they prefer and to respect their wishes. We then worked in pairs, exploring our own gender
and gender identities. Each pair shared out our earliest memories of both as well as our own learned
stereotypes regarding gender/gender identity.
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| Pair Share activity
The presenters also discussed laws which help and protect LGBTQ students. I had no idea there were so many!
These Federal Laws include:
1. Title IX (harassment on the basis of sex stereotyping)
2. Constitutional Right to Privacy (Right to keep sexual orientation private at school)
3. Equal Access Act (right to form/exist for GSAs & applies to schools receiving federal funds)
California Laws:
2. California Student Safety and Violence Preventions Act, AB 537 (right to safe learning environment)
3. AB 9 Seth's Law (school personnel are required to intervene whenever they see instances of bullying. It requires that all schools have an anti-bullying policy/procedures in place)
4. SB 48 The Fair Education Act (provide updated & factual information about the role and contributions of people with disabilities and LGBTQ into history lessons)
5. AB 1266 (students can compete in sports teams and use facilities based on gender identity)
6. AB 496 (training for health care providers includes discussion of LBGTQ issues)
7. AB 827 (Safe Schools: Safe Place to Learn Act)
8. AB 329 (requires comprehensive sex education and HIV Prevention to reflect all relationships)
 
Now, I began to ask myself, what can I do??? I was thankful that participants of today's workshop received a Safe Space Kit and tons of fliers with future events taking place so that we can continue learning new ways to support LGBTQ students in our schools!
Here are some key tips to start!
1. Know the issues LGBTQ students are facing today!
2. Support in any way you can!
3. Be an ally - make yourself visible, let your actions speak for you, support students when they come to you
4. What not to say when someone comes out- (ex. I knew it! Are you sure? Are you confused?)
5. Respond to Anti-LBGTQ language and behavior immediately and appropriately
6. Create student clubs that support LGBTQ students
7. Educate others
8. Engage school staff- help them make curriculum LGBTQ inclusive
9. ADVOCATE (assess school climate/policies/practices)
10. What can I say to make an impact with my principal or administrator?
-Be direct
-Show admin where the change is necessary
-Focus on safety
-Show how the school community will benefit from the change
-Give an overview of how educators can be allies to LGBTQ students and the changes the school can make
-Leave information and schedule a follow-up meeting- Make An Action Plan! Here is an example policy that was updated to support and include LGBTQ students
 
Check out our small group work at the end of our workshop:
   
Be an ally, be supportive, and remember that you can help create a safe space for LBGTQ students - their lives may depend on it!
Additional resources:
ThinkB4YouSpeak
(For Parents) PFLAG website
Changing the Game- The GLSEN Sports Project
Unheard Voices- An LGBT History Resourcewww.glsen.org- lessons, resources, and curriculum are available!
Melissa Moorer
SDSU School Counseling Graduate Student |
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