To kick off Pride Month, ACT and Mt. Anthony Union Middle School faculty member Ms. Marks hosted a leadership day for members of GLOW, the school’s Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA).
We studied the evolution of Pride flags and made bracelets celebrating our unique identities; we looked at the history of Pride and community leaders (like Becca Balint, Vermont’s first openly LGBTQ person to represent the state in Congress); we took a nature walk to nourish our bodies and spirits; and we watched a documentary about LGBTQ youth of color finding hope and expression in NYC.
When we reflected on the day during our closing circle, many students shared highlights. The day was fun, and they learned a lot of new information, but it was more than that. In the words of one student: “I am grateful for this community at school and this space where I can be myself.”
According to the 2021 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey: “LGBTQ+ [middle school] students are nearly three times as likely to experience poor mental health, including stress, anxiety and depression, most of the time or always during the past year compared to heterosexual cisgender students (42% vs 15%).” Only 35% of LGBTQ students feel they matter to their community, compared to 63% of their cisgender and heterosexual peers. Discrimination, bullying, and rejection also contribute to higher rates of substance use among LGBTQ youth than their cis/het peers. LGBTQ+ students are significantly more likely than heterosexual students to currently drink alcohol, vape, or use marijuana (YRBS).
We know that LGBTQ-affirming schools and communities are a significant protective factor for youth, reducing suicide risk and promoting well-being for LGBTQ+ youth. LGBTQ youth who report having just one accepting and affirming adult in their life were 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year (The Trevor Project).
Safety and belonging are more than concepts; they are practices that transform school and community environments. Studies consistently show that an inclusive and affirming school climate leads to improved behavioral, academic, and mental health outcomes for all students. Creating a culture of acceptance not only supports our LGBTQ+ students; it benefits the entire school community.
When LGBTQ+ students see themselves represented positively in their school environment, whether through inclusive curriculum, supportive faculty and staff, or visible displays of pride or allyship, they feel affirmed and empowered. This visibility sends a powerful message: that everyone is welcome and deserving of respect.
This June and every month, let’s continue working together for a future where every young person feels safe, supported, and proud of who they are. We encourage you to take these simple actions, which can go a long way to demonstrating your support for LGBTQ youth all year round:
- Use young people’s names and pronouns correctly, and make a practice of sharing your pronouns with others in meetings and in your email signature
- Educate yourself about LGBTQ people and issues
- Ask questions and talk to youth respectfully about their LGBTQ identity
- Hang a pride flag/sticker in your office or classroom, or wear a pride pin on your nametag
- Incorporate LGBTQ writers, artists, and perspectives into your classroom curriculum, or invite LGBTQ leaders to speak at your youth event—representation matters!
- Celebrate Pride! Pride Month is an opportunity for LGBTQ community members and allies to spread positive messages about the positive aspects of LGBTQ+ identities, expand representation and inclusivity, and show love and acceptance.
Happy Pride! 🏳️🌈
Resources:
- Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth: Connect with other LGBTQ+ youth through groups or events, and find affirming resources on common topics like gender identity and sexual orientation.
- Resources for Parents & Caring Adults: Explore resources for positively affirming and nurturing LGBTQ+ youth, and creating inclusive spaces in the community.
- If you are in crisis and need support: The Trevor Project is available 24/7. Call the Trevor Lifeline at 866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat online.