June was first declared as LGBTQ Pride Month in 2000. Since then, June has been a time to acknowledge a positive stance against discrimination and violence toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer /questioning (LGBTQ) people to promote their self-affirmation, dignity, equality rights, increase their visibility as a social group, build community, and celebrate sexual diversity and gender variance.
LGBTQ Pride Month is also a time to bring awareness to the experiences of the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ youth are routinely harassed because of their sexual orientation. In 2015, it was reported that out of 10,528 middle and high school students surveyed 85.2% LGBTQ students experienced verbal harassment at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation, 57.6% felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation and 31.8% skipped a day of school in the past month because of safety concerns.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has compiled a list of helpful resources for parents and caregivers, children and teens, mental health providers, child welfare and juvenile justice professionals, healthcare providers, educators and school staff, and policy makers.
A list of external resources related to LGBTQ Pride Month is available here.
Provides information to parents and caregivers about keeping children safe online. This fact sheet describes why sexting is not smart and how sexts can be used to hurt or bully.
Discusses the Safe Places, Safe Spaces video product.
Offers concrete strategies and recommendations for providers working with LGBTQ youth who have experienced trauma. This webinar series discusses how to increase access to services, create a safe environment for care, and work with families and schools.
Introduces the viewer to the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth who have experienced trauma.
Offers guidance on how to use the Safe Places, Safe Spaces video.
Offers an introduction to the Safe Places, Safe Spaces video. This fact sheet gives a brief overview for working with LGBTQ youth as well as a synopsis of the video, and suggested resources.
Provides a short glossary of relevant terms and a chart delineating the continuums of sex, gender, and sexual orientation.
Outlines how to work with LGBTQ youth. This webinar describes the clinical competencies needed to provide a safe space for LGTBQ youth who are dealing with trauma.
Provides concrete strategies that organizations and practitioners can implement to increase access and improve responsiveness to LGBTQ individuals and families.
Offers teens information about the differences between sex and sexual abuse. This fact sheet describes when sex is used as a weapon, including the use of physical force, emotional or psychological force, secrecy about sex, and victim blaming.
Provides information to teens about staying safe while they are online.
Discusses special areas of vulnerability, risk factors, disclosure, and cultural competency when working with LGBTQ youth after sexual abuse.