Creating Safer Spaces for LGBTQ Youth Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals Saturday, March 17, 2018 Jabari M. Lyles (he/him) Executive Director GLSEN Maryland

facebook.com/glsenmaryland @glsenmaryland GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people. facebook.com/glsenmaryland @glsenmaryland chapter@glsenmaryland.org 2

Our Primary Message All students deserve a safe, supportive place to learn in school, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Addressing anti-LGBTQ bias in school makes schools safer for all.

GLSEN – A Brief History

GLSEN – National School Climate Survey

NSCS Findings www.glsen.org/nscs

Risk Factors for LGBTQ Youth 26% of all LGBTQ+ youth report having to leave their family of origin due to rejection of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation 30% of LGBTQ+ youth report experiencing physical violence within their family of origin after coming out 40% of all homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+ ; 39% of LGBTQ+ homeless youth arrested each year 78% of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care run away or are removed from their placements due to hostility towards their perceived sexuality and/or gender presentation 1 in 2 transgender youth will attempt to commit suicide by the age of 20 Family rejection is the single greatest predictor of involvement in the juvenile justice system for LGBTQ+ youth

Statistics: National School Climate Survey

Statistics: National School Climate Survey

Statistics: National School Climate Survey

In Maryland In Maryland, over 3 in 5 transgender students (61%), were unable to use the school restroom that aligned with their gender. Nearly half of transgender students (48%), were prevented from using their preferred name and gender pronouns in school.

Statistics: Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) % H (MD) % LGB (MD) QN27: Percentage of students who seriously considered attempting suicide during the past 12 months 12.3 38.1 QN21: Percentage of students who had ever been physically forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to 6.3 17.9 QN26: Percentage of students who felt sad or hopeless (almost everyday for 2 or more weeks in a row so that they stopped doing some usual activities during the 12 months before the survey) 23.0 50.0 QN24: Percentage of students who had ever been bullied on school property during the past 12 months 15.5 29.5 QN57: Percentage of students who have taken a prescription drug (such as OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, codeine, Adderall, Ritalin, or Xanax) without a doctor's prescription one or more times during their life 11.4

NSCS Findings

Statistics: National School Climate Survey

Terms & Definitions Assigned Sex Gender Identity Gender Expression Sexual Orientation Other Female Cisgender Feminine Gay Romantic orientation Male Transgender Masculine Lesbian Heteronormativity Intersex Man “Androgynous” Bisexual Homophobia Woman “Butch” Pansexual Transphobia Non-Binary / Gender Non-Conforming “Femme” Asexual Biphobia Genderqueer / “Queer” “Dom” “Queer” Intersectionality Gender-fluid “Stud” He/him; she/her; they/them; ze/hir; xe/xem;

Curriculum Resources

Policy 443 Title: Creating Welcoming and Affirming schools for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Students. Comprehensive, specific policy which provides guidelines for trans-specific concerns in schools. Currently the only policy of its kind in Maryland. Pulls from policy guidelines from GLSEN, MSDE, NSBA and MPSSAA. Supported by federal and state regulations.

Policy 443 Topic Guidance Definitions Provides basic definitions for SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression) terms Official Records Use preferred name and pronouns Schools have official records; can be altered Gender-Segregated Facilities Students determine and use facilities appropriate for their gender identity Any student who is uncomfortable may use a safe and non-stigmatizing alternative Sports and PE Classes Participation consistent with gender identity Students not required to disclose gender identity to anyone Overnight Field Trips Consult the student (consult parents only if supportive) Allow student to room with others according to gender identity Other Gendered Activities Dress codes for dances, graduations, etc. will be gender-neutral Professional Development All FCPS personnel who have direct contact to students are required to participate in, or have access to, training on SOGIE, privacy, bullying, management, curriculum for gender-inclusivity, Policy 443.

Best Practices - Personal Familiarize yourself with LGBTQ+ resources within the region Post information about LGBTQ individuals and other communities Educate yourself and others on the difference between “normal” and developmentally appropriate behaviors Tuning into self: What are your values and triggers? Ask/respect gender pronouns and preferred name Use gender neutral language Know the specific vulnerabilities and legal rights of LGBTQ+ youth Speak out against discriminatory treatment and language Don’t make assumptions, both about the youth themselves, or their experiences

PRINCIPALS TAKE THE LEAD Best Practices - Institutional Conduct a climate survey at your school Post in visible locations both the state's and the school systems' inclusive, comprehensive anti-bullying policies Train all school personnel on policies and LGBT issues Identify supportive staff to work with diversity clubs or GSA's (gay-straight alliances) Examine your school's method for reporting incidents Examine your school’s methods for record-keeping, gendered practices (bathrooms, graduation robes, etc.) Work with the librarian towards inclusive collections of literature PRINCIPALS TAKE THE LEAD

chapter@glsenmaryland.org | (443) 509-1108 Thank You! GLSEN Maryland chapter@glsenmaryland.org | (443) 509-1108 facebook.com/glsenmaryland @glsenbaltimore chapter@glsenmaryland.org