Education Equity Series Episode #3: Part 1 | Supporting the Mental Health and Well-Being of LGBTQ+ Youth

Warning: This episode contains discussion of mental illness, self-harm, and suicide, and may not be suitable for all audiences. Nothing contained in the podcast should be interpreted as medical or mental health treatment or advice. Please follow your medical provider's advice and direction. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Listener discretion is advised.

“A safe and welcoming school environment is essential for student success. Educators are a critical component in creating an environment that enables all students to thrive!” – Lily Eskelsen Garcia, President of the National Education Association You’ve probably heard a phrase like, “that’s so gay” at one point or another. It might be a second grader who heard the phrase on TV, a seventh grader trying to fit in with peers, or a high school junior “teasing” a friend. Regardless of where it comes from, phrases like this can make students feel unsafe, unwelcome, and uncomfortable. Students spend more waking hours attending school – either in-person or virtually – than anywhere else, and they should expect the classroom to be a safe and nurturing environment. A study from GLSEN reported 86 percent of LGBTQ+ students were harassed or assaulted at school in 2019, and overwhelmingly felt safer and more supported with anti-bullying and anti-discrimination policies, gender and sexuality alliances, supportive teachers and staff, and LGBTQ+-inclusive curriculum. You might be thinking, "It’s not my responsibility to change culture" or "I can’t make change so there’s no point in trying." It is, you can, and you should! National Coming Out Day was Oct. 11, and we’re celebrating by releasing the first part of a two-part special edition of inspirED podcast as part of our Education Equity series. This episode is all about inclusivity as it relates to mental health and wellbeing with LGBTQ+ youth. In this episode, our panel of education and mental health professionals, and LGBTQ+ allies will discuss what it means to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, how words and phrases can have a negative impact on students’ mental health and well-being, and how you can work towards becoming an ally to support your LGBTQ+ students regardless of where learning takes place.

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