LGBTQIA+ Supportive Environments
Chicago Public Schools recognizes that there are a number of strategies that can be used to enhance school climate and make schools safer and more welcoming to LGBTQIA+ students. It offers two professional developments around creating safe and supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ and all youth to school staff and administration.
What is a Safe Space?
A safe space is a welcoming, supportive and safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning students. LGBTQIA+ students may hear anti-LGBTQIA+ language and experience harassment related to their sexual orientation and gender expression. They also may feel unsafe at school, but educators, parents, and caregivers can make a big difference! For many students, simply knowing that allies exist can be a source of support.
According to HRC’s 2018 LGBTQ Youth Report:
Negative Comments
67 percent of LGBTQIA+ students hear their families make negative comments about LGBTQIA+ people.
Out at Home
While some students are open about their LGBTQIA+ identity at school, only 21 percent are out at home.
LGBTQIA+ Homeless Youth Population
Privacy and confidentiality are critically important for LGBTQIA+ youth, especially for those who do not have supportive families. Extreme rejecting behaviors can have dire consequences: Approximately 40 percent of the homeless youth population in the United States identify as LGBTQIA+, most as a result of rejection by immediate family members.
LGBTQIA+ Youth of Color
Additionally, LGBTQIA+ youth of color often face additional stress and adverse impacts on their health and well-being as a result of bias around their intersecting identities.
OUT for Safe Schools
OUT for Safe Schools is a national campaign that helps educators, administrators, and other school district employees ‘come out’ as visible allies for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning students and staff. As part of the campaign, participating staff wear badges identifying themselves as allies in order to make school a safer, more welcoming place.
CPS participation reflects our continual effort to remove health-related barriers to learning; foster inclusive, supportive school climates; and address all dimensions of health and wellness, not only for LGBTQ students and staff but for everyone in our community. For more information about the national campaign, visit www.outforsafeschools.org.
Safe Spaces
Creating a Safe Space At School
Creating a Safe Space At Home
Creating a Safe Space in the Workplace