Building Trusting Relationships with LGBTQ+ Students

SFC Kristina Manookin Equal Opportunity Advisor currently serving at Fort Sill, OK shares how families and educators can build trusting relationships with LGBTQ+ students as they transition into and out of schools and communities. This podcast has been made possible thanks to the Fort Riley Spouses’ Club https://www.fortrileyspousesclub.org/. Show Notes: Transgender Law Center https://transgenderlawcenter.org/ National Equality Map “This map shows the overall policy tallies (as distinct from sexual orientation or gender identity tallies) for each state, the District of Columbia, and the five populated U.S. territories. A state’s “policy tally” counts the number of laws and policies within the state that help drive equality for LGBTQ people. The major categories of laws covered by the policy tally include: Relationship & Parental Recognition, Nondiscrimination, Religious Exemptions, LGBTQ Youth, Health Care, Criminal Justice, and Identity Documents.” https://transgenderlawcenter.org/equalitymap Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) believes every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education.  We are a national network of educators, students, and local GLSEN Chapters working to make this a reality. https://www.glsen.org/ PFLAF  It’s incumbent upon parents, families, friends, and allies to make schools safer for ALL students. PFLAG chapters work directly with schools and stakeholders in their communities, providing support, resources, training, creative programs, and even model policy to create an environment of respect.  https://pflag.org/cultivating-respect-safe-schools-all Trevor Project  You are not alone!  If you’re looking for a place where LGBTQ youth and their allies can find answers to frequently asked questions or explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity and more please go to the Trevor Support Center at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/trevor-support-center/ If you or someone you know are thinking about suicide, you deserve immediate help - please call the Trevor Lifeline at 866-488-7386 or by Text START to 678-678 y Trevor Project Trainings for Professionals include in-person Ally and CARE trainings designed for adults who work with youth. These trainings help counselors, educators, administrators, school nurses, and social workers discuss LGBTQ-competent suicide prevention.  https://www.thetrevorproject.org/education/ GSA Network is a next-generation LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities.  https://gsanetwork.org/ The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe.  https://itgetsbetter.org/