Darcy Irwin’s Post

Today is GLSEN's National Day of (No) Silence, a day dedicated to recognizing the effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools. Participating in the day of silence "speaks" volumes, and I'm proud to say that our office held a moment of silence this morning to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. With over 800 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced last year, it's crucial to acknowledge and stand up against these bills that impact millions in the community. These bills are catalysts that lead to bullying, harassment, discrimination, and hate crimes in schools, the workplace, public settings, and even our own homes. Let's all take a moment today to reflect on the importance of creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and actively work towards a future where everyone feels accepted and valued. Check out the link for more information on GLSEN and the history of Day of (No) Silence. #DayOfNoSilence #LGBTQ+ #GLSEN #TEKsystems

Today is Day of (No) Silence—a day filled with action and support for LGBTQ+ youth across the country experiencing silencing and erasure in schools. While historically participants have taken a vow of silence, GLSEN is encouraging active advocacy and dialogue to combat the surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and to foster inclusivity in educational spaces. We’re just 4 months into the year, and already over 475 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced. Over 80% of LGBTQ+ students report feeling unsafe at school. Given these alarming statistics, the urgency to mobilize for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity has never been greater. Learn how to rise up, speak out, and take action for a brighter future here: glsen.org/dayofnosilence

As we close out Pride Month, there’s new research we just released with Theirworld among LGBTQ+ youth. The findings are discouraging: • 52% of LGBTQ+ youth face bullying • 38% don’t feel schools are safe • 35% have missed school due to bullying Learning in a safe educational environment is a fundamental right that all children deserve. We need officials at all levels of government who will strongly advocate for more inclusive education policies that help children feel safer in school. https://t.co/3sCf382be7

Supporting LGBTQ+ students: Four strategies to increase inclusivity - Strong, supportive developmental relationships, such as those between students and teachers, show LGBTQ+ youth that they matter and create a more inclusive school climate for all. https://hubs.la/Q020-gFR0

In 1996, two students at the University of Virginia started Day of Silence, a peaceful protest against anti-LGBT hate speech and harassment. Students would refrain from speaking throughout the day, culminating in Breaking the Silence rallies. Lead by GLSEN, the day is now called Day of (No) Silence in order to encourage a day of action: "With more than 800 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced last year, we must Rise Up and Take Action. GLSEN’s Day of NO Silence is a nationally-recognized student-led demonstration where LGBTQ+ students and allies all around the country—and the world— protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools. Silent Option: For those who may not feel safe or comfortable speaking out, the option of participating in a silent protest remains available. This ensures that everyone can contribute to the movement in a manner that aligns with their comfort level." Learn more about Day of (No) Silence and how you can get involved: https://buff.ly/49R98ie #YWBoston #DEI #DayOfSilence #DayOfNoSilence #BreakingtheSilence #RiseUpandTakeAction #RiseUpForLGBTQ

🔍 New Research Alert: Exploring School Safety and Wellbeing for the LGBTQ+ Community 📚🌈 Excited to share my latest research on school safety, interpersonal challenges, and self-harm among LGBTQ+ students, staff, and parents. This study sheds light on unique experiences and concerns, offering crucial implications for creating inclusive and supportive school environments. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) individuals often face challenges in school settings. My study, encompassing 1926 students, 198 staff, and 180 parents, delves into perceptions of safety, interpersonal challenges, and self-harm across different roles, school types, locations, and gender identities. Results reveal that LGBTQ+ students, staff, and parents encounter similar concerns, with students showing a higher prevalence across all indicators. Students in government/public, religious affiliated, and nonmetropolitan schools, as well as transgender and gender diverse students, reported particularly high levels of distress. This research emphasizes the need for school-wide interventions to foster positive climates, focusing on safety, anti-bullying, and self-harm tailored to LGBTQ+ community members' needs. Creating safe and inclusive school environments is pivotal for LGBTQ+ wellbeing. This research aims to be a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and advocates striving towards this essential goal. 🔗 [https://lnkd.in/ezYBK6SN ] #LGBTQ #Research #Education #SchoolSafety #Inclusion #MentalHealth #AntiBullying

As we celebrate LGBT+ History Month, I am excited to delve into the theme of #UnderTheScope: Healthcare Heroes and Pioneers. This theme reminds us of the incredible contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in the medical field, from ground breaking research to fighting for equal access to healthcare. But it also extends beyond that, urging us to acknowledge the unique experiences and challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face in healthcare settings. As school leaders, we have a vital role to play in fostering inclusive environments where all students feel safe, respected, and supported, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Here's how we can shine a light on inclusion this month: - Spark curiosity: Integrate diverse narratives into your curriculum, exploring the history of LGBTQ+ contributions to healthcare and highlighting the work of current LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals. - Open the conversation: Facilitate respectful discussions about LGBTQ+ experiences in healthcare, allowing students to learn, ask questions, and challenge stereotypes. - Empower student voices: Support student-led initiatives that promote LGBTQ+ health awareness and advocate for inclusive healthcare practices. - Reflect on your own practices: Review school policies and practices to ensure they are inclusive and respect diverse identities. Throughout this month, I'll be sharing some awesome lesson plans, assembly resources, and discussion prompts to help you bring the #UnderTheScope theme to life in your school.

Phys.org recent shared our most recent evidence summary, looking at five ways schools can support LGBTQ+ students #lgbtq #educationnews #ednews

At One Institute, we know that the history of LGBTQ+ political progress is marked by the extraordinary courage of our communities. From fed up patrons at Stonewall, to enraged agitators in ACT UP, from the determined activists behind marriage equality, to the liberationists of the trans rights movement, the individuals behind these flashpoints in queer history embodied profound courage in the face of danger, ignorance, and bigotry. This bravery is needed now more than ever. In California and across the country, school boards and legislatures are restricting the rights of LGBTQ+ students and educators to be themselves and teach about queer history. The result: heartbreaking tragedies such as the recent killing of Choctaw Two-Spirit, non-binary, and transgender high school student Nex Benedict. LGBTQ+ students and K-12 educators need our support. As a leading producer of resources for teaching LGBTQ+ history, One Institute offers youth mentorship, educator professional training, and curriculum development resources that empower students and teachers to stand up against these cruel, institutionalized attacks. But we could not do this without you. We need your help to raise $50,000 for One's educational initiatives by April 21, 2024. Visit edu2024.oneinstitute.org to make your tax-deductible gift today. Help support the courageous youth and educators creating safer and more equitable futures for LGBTQ+ students.  #CommunitiesOfCourage

Whoa! There is a SERIOUSLY high-powered Zoom session coming to your screen this Wednesday at 2PM Pacific Time: Lucky us! This cool Community Conversations session this Wednesday 2/21 at 2PM PT, organized by WACAC's IDEA Committee, is open to the public. *What do LGBTQ+ students need today, and how can a college's LGBTQ+ resource center help them?* LGBTQ+ students need and want vastly different things when they arrive on campus. What are those potential needs, and what supports can a college be ready to offer them ahead of time? How can school counselors and IECs use this context to inform their guidance around the college search? Also, some deeper questions: What goes on behind the scenes at a university's LGBTQ+ resource center that can affect our students? What really happens for a student experiencing a crisis situation (e.g. if unsupportive parents stop contributing financially)? If an LGBTQ+ resource center director had a blank check and a time machine, what vision can they paint for LGBTQ+ resource centers nationally? In our first Community Conversations session of 2024, an expert panel of LGBTQ+ resource center directors and founders, along with college counselors with deep understandings of LGBTQ+ students and their unique college search, will talk out these topics and more. Come ready with questions! Panelists: Dr. Van Bailey, Ed.D. (he/him/his or they/them/theirs): Transgender Advocate & Policy Analyst, UCLA Nancy Jean Tubbs, M.S. (she/her/hers): Director, LGBT Resource Center, University of California, Riverside Brad Ward, M.A. (she/her/hers): College & Career Center Advisor, Saratoga High School Moderator: Robert Powers, M.A. (he/him/his): Founder, Campus Q / Co-Founder, IECs for Human Rights Dr. Bailey was the inaugural director of the resource centers at both Harvard and UMiami, and Nancy Jean Tubbs is the director of the excellent center at UC Riverside. Of course, Brad Ward is a leader in our organizations and knows LGBTQ+ students in a school counseling setting very well. What do you think? Does this sound like a good thing? Want in? To enhance the openness of this session, it will not be recorded. Register below. Yours, Robert Powers Founder, Campus Q https://lnkd.in/g9wb9RsB