LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) | Gender Expansive Youth Resources

Creating LGBT Inclusive Schools Webinar
This self-paced webinar provides school staff with information on how they can support LGBT students in NYS schools. It includes information and resources from the NYSED, CDC, NYSDOH, and advocacy organizations such as GLSEN, and supports the goal of providing all students with a safe and inclusive environment. It complements existing resources available from the NYSED relating to the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA).

NYSED Resources

Creating a Safe, Supportive, and Affirming School Environment for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students: 2023 Legal Update and Best Practices (NYSED 2023)
Provides guidance to assist school districts in fostering an educational environment that is safe and free from discrimination in compliance with local, state, and federal laws concerning bullying, harassment, discrimination, and student privacy.

- FAQS: Creating a Safe, Supportive, and Affirming School Environment for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students

DASA (Dignity for All Students Act)
Provides resources related to legislation to support students and inclusive school environments.

Education Law Title 1, Article 9 Section 409-m Gender Neutral Single-Occupancy Bathroom Facilities
Provides information to comply with Building Code of New York State (BCNYS) and accessibility standards; the sign must be located on the wall next to the door with the words “all-gender” (preferred) or “gender-neutral” and an FAQs.

NYSED Memo Regarding Recent Amendments to Commissioner’s Regulation 100.2 (kk) (1) (NYSED 6/18)
Regarding Reports of Incidents of Harassment, Bullying, and/or Discrimination Pursuant to the Dignity for All Students Act.

A Resource and Promising Practices Guide for School Administrators & Faculty (12/2017)
Updated 12/2017 to amendments to the Dignity Act. It includes links to websites containing information, resources, and tools to assist in implementing the Dignity Act in your school.

NYS Public High School Athletic Association Guidelines

NYS Public High School Athletic Association Transgender Guidelines
Check the Table of Contents for Transgender Guidelines page number. This document provides information on the process for students requesting to participate in interscholastic athletics consistent with the gender they identify with.

CDC Resources

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
Offers information on how to support and professional development opportunities.

PBS Learning Media

Understanding LGBTQ+ Identity: A Toolkit for Educators Collection
It provides a series of digital media resources to help administrators, guidance counselors, and educators understand and address the complex and difficult issues faced by LGBTQ students. The collection features video content from WNET’s groundbreaking LGBTQ series First Person, which delivers personal narratives about gender, sexuality, social norms, and identity development. It also includes a video conversation guide, early grades support guide, discussion questions teaching tips, and a checklist to help establish a GSA.

Additional Resources

Gay-Straight Alliance Organizations (GSAs)

GSA Network
Supports students and teachers to start a GSA and Run a GSA. Establishing a GSA club is the first step in transforming a school. Studies have shown how the presence of a GSA club is related to a safer school climate.

GLAAD
U.S. non-governmental media monitoring organization founded by LGBT people in the media. Before March 2013, the name "GLAAD" had been an acronym for "Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation", but became the primary name due to its inclusiveness of bisexual and transgender issues. They provide numerous resources to support understanding and inclusiveness-including a media guide for respectful speaking.

GLSEN
This organization, pronounced "glisten," is a leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ students with materials.

The GLSEN National School Climate Survey
Flagship report on the school experiences of LGBTQ youth in schools, including the extent of the challenges that they face at school and the school-based resources that support LGBTQ students’ well-being. 

The Trevor Project Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth

SAMHSA- Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and Action to Support and Affirm LGBTQ+ Youth
This report by the the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a road map for action centered on evidence-based care and helpful interventions for clinicians, all providers, educators, and families to improve the behavioral health of LGBTQ+ youth.

Note: Provision of external resources and information does not imply endorsement of any specific programs or resources. School Districts should review materials utilized in conjunction with local school policies and legal counsel.

New York State Center for School Health