1. 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

2. 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 2

3. 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.

4. GLSEN – A Brief History

5. GLSEN – National School Climate Survey

6. NSCS Findings

7. 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

8. Statistics: National School Climate Survey

9. Statistics: National School Climate Survey

10. Statistics: National School Climate Survey

11. 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.

12. 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

13. NSCS Findings

14. Statistics: National School Climate Survey

16. 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;

17. Curriculum Resources

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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

21. 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

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