5 Organizations Working to Make Schools Safer & More Inclusive for LGBTQ+ Students

For the nearly 2 million US youth who identify as LGBTQ+, schools can be a scary place. According to the 2021 Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 75% of LGBTQ youth reported that they had experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity at least once in their lifetime. The same survey reported that nearly half of all LGBTQ youth wanted counseling from a mental health professional but were unable to receive it. In celebration of Pride Month 2022, we wanted to shine a light on five organizations that are working to combat the challenges LGBTQ+ youth face and make schools safer and more inclusive for them:

No. 1: Welcoming Schools

HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools makes schools more inclusive for LGBTQ+ students by providing training, lesson plans and other professional development/resources for educators and other youth-facing professionals. Welcoming Schools “uplifts school communities with critical tools to embrace family diversity, create LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying, and support transgender and non-binary students.” As of 2022, 10.5 million students across 45 states have benefitted from the work of Welcoming Schools. 

No. 2: The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention program for LGBTQ+ youth. Thanks to the Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth who are struggling can connect with a counselor, access helpful resources and participate in TrevorSpace, an online community for LGBTQ+ young people. 

No 3: It Gets Better Project 

What started as a social media campaign quickly became a global movement. In 2010, the “it gets better” social media campaign spread hope and encouragement as 70,000 LGBTQ+ individuals and allies shared their stories. The impact of the movement never died, and today, the It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization that reaches millions globally through media programming, educational resources, international affiliates and other support.

No. 4: onePULSE Foundation 

The onePULSE Foundation was created as a “sanctuary of hope” and a way to memorialize the 49 people who died during the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting. It also honors the 68 other people who were injured and the countless first responders and healthcare professionals who helped following the tragedy. One of the foundation’s most impactful initiatives are the 49 scholarships they award annually to honor the 49 “Angels.” Through these scholarships, onePULSE provides academic opportunities to recipients who embody unity, acceptance and strength. onePULSE works alongside the families and loved ones of those lost to identify recipients whose interests, career goals and aspirations mirror the legacy of those lost.

No. 5: Acceleration Academies 

Last but not least …Acceleration Academies! We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all learners. We use Graduation Candidates’ preferred pronouns, offer gender neutral bathrooms in our academies and ensure our staff are respectful and nonjudgmental to all GCs. Here’s what a few of our GCs had to say about how Acceleration Academies supports the LGBTQ+ community:

“I feel safe here and don’t have to worry about hiding my identity.” Raine, CCAA

“It makes me smile to see that a school cares so much about its students and openly supports everyone no matter what.” Kerri Gotcher, EAA

“We love everyone equally at Acceleration Academies. You have people to help and to speak with about anything and everything. They can supply you with groups and anything you need to help you with whatever you need! You’re perfect and we love you for you!” Ashley Roman, WAA

There you have it! That’s our list of five organizations working to make schools and communities safer and more inclusive for LGBTQ+ youth. In spite of the work of these incredible organizations, we know that LGBTQ+ individuals disproportionately experience mental health challenges. If you are struggling, get help immediately. The Trevor Project offers chat, text and phone support. Click here to get help.