This book reviews timely, pragmatic interventions and strategies to support LGBTQ students in K12 schools. Where formal programs affirming diversity of gender expression and sexual orientation are not yet in place, contributors provide insights and practical tips for creating a positive, safe school environment. Topics include how stigma based on gender expression or sexual orientation can affect children and adolescents in school performance and risktaking behavior, and how schools can flip the narrative on bullying and victimization to one that promotes strengths and school connectedness. Teacher and school staff training issues are also addressed, along with suggestions for advocacy on the small scale and at local, regional, and state systems levels. In this book school counselors and psychologists, administrators, teachers, and other community stakeholders will find steps they can take to translate and implement the evergrowing body of scientific theory and research on equitable education of gender minority and sexual minority children, youth, and families.
Introduction: How Do Our Schools Protect and Affirm Students' Diverse Gender Expressions and Sexual Orientations? Chapter 1. Translating Research and Policy into School-Based Interventions for Gender and Sexually Diverse Youth: Starting Points Megan C. Lytle and Richard A. Sprott Chapter 2. Advancing LGBTQ Students' Civil Rights: Leadership Efforts by Los Angeles Unified School District Judy Chiasson Chapter 3. Supporting Gender and Sexually Diverse Students in Socially Conservative School Communities Emily S. Meadows and Jeremy D. Shain Chapter 4. Evolving Strategies to Counter School Bullying of Gender and Sexual Minority Students Peter Theodore and Judy Chiasson Chapter 5. Inclusive Strategies for Practitioners and Researchers Working with LGBTQ Youth Without Parent/Guardian Consent Sarah Kiperman, Gabriel DeLong, Kris Varjas, and Joel Meyers Chapter 6. A Systems Approach to Creating Equitable Educational Environments for LGBTQ Families Julie Herbstrith Chapter 7. The Respect Workshop: LGBTQ Competency Training for School Health and Mental Health Professionals Sam E. Greenberg, Jana E. Sharp, and Clinton W. Anderson Chapter 8. Addressing Gender and Sexual Orientation Diversity within Youth Populations: An Evaluation of Health Disparities and Recommendations on Affirmative School Policy Amie R. McKibban and Austin R. Anderson Chapter 9. Walking the Walk for LGBTQ Children and Adolescents: Progress in Translation and Implementation, and an Agenda Going Forward Richard A. Sprott and Megan C. Lytle About the Editors
