Understanding the Challenge
LGBTQ+ students are at a higher risk of chronic absenteeism due to issues like depression, bullying, anxiety, and even homelessness. In 2022, one in four CPS high school students identified as LGBTQ+. Data shows that nearly a third (32.2%) of LGBTQ+ students missed at least one day of school in the last month due to feeling unsafe. LGBTQ+ students also reported having lower self-esteem and higher levels of depression as a result of harassment (GLSEN).
Strategies & Supports
To foster a safer and more welcoming school environment for students, it's important for schools to create affirming and inclusive spaces.
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OSHW Team
The Office of Health and Wellness (OSHW) has a dedicated team to assist schools in providing support to students who are exploring or identifying as LGBTQ+. Additionally, a professional development series is available to guide staff on creating safe and supportive LGBTQ+ environments.
Schools can reach out to OSHW@cps.edu for support on specific cases and/or review the resources available.
Tools & Resources
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Guidelines for LGBTQ+ Supportive Environments
View the OSHW page for LGBTQ+ Supportive Environments to find guidelines for information about creating a safe and welcoming environment and resources to promote equity and well-being.
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Supporting Gender Diversity Toolkit
This toolkit includes best practices for creating safe and supportive environments for transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming students and staff in CPS.
Understanding Gender Diversity
Students who identify as LGBTQ are at higher risk of being chronically absent. This occurs because students may experience depression, bullying, anxiety, or even homelessness due to their family’s inability to recognize and support.
In 2022, 1 in 4 CPS High School students identify as LGBTQ. Nearly one-third (32.2%) of LGBTQ students missed at least one day of school in the last month due to feeling unsafe. LGBTQ students also reported having lower self-esteem and higher levels of depression, as a result of the harassment (GLSEN).
The Office of Student Health and Wellness recognizes that there are a number of strategies which can be used to enhance school climate and make schools safer and more welcoming to LGBTQ students.
What Can Schools Do?
In order for people to feel safe and supportive at school, it is important that schools create affirming and inclusive spaces for students.
To that end, CPS’ Department of the Office of Health and Wellness, has a support team designated to support schools with being a proactive response to students who are identifying or are exploring identification of LGBTQ.
Further there is a professional development series that provides guidance on creating safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ.