Francisco Vaca’s Post

Did you know LGBTQ+ youth with disabilities often get bullied more at school? This can make school really tough for them. It's time to speak up! Everyone should feel safe and supported at school. How you can help: Spread the word: Share this post to tell others. Learn: Find out about the barriers LGBTQ+ youth with disabilities face. Support: Help students, parents, and teachers make schools welcoming and safe. Let's all work together to make sure every student feels safe, respected, and valued. #Pride2024 #DisabledAndQueer #PacificADACenter

In an era where gender-based discrimination is on the rise, particularly affecting LGBTQ+ students, it's crucial to open dialogues in our schools. Circle practice offers a powerful approach for sharing personal stories, encourages the expression of diverse opinions, and facilitates meaningful discussions on LGBTQ+ topics. It's important to create a regular schedule for these discussions, moving beyond the "heroes and holidays" approach to ensure consistent engagement with LGBTQ+ issues. Additionally, teachers as facilitators are well-trained in creating a supportive environment is key to the success of these circles. By integrating these practices, we can build more inclusive and empathetic school communities where all students feel valued and heard. This approach not only supports LGBTQ+ students but also educates the entire school community, fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding. Inspired by "Circle Forward: Building Restorative School Community" by Carolyn Boyes-Watson and Kay Pranis. #Pride #InclusiveEducation #LGBTQSupport

Fabulous resources below

Protecting LGBTQ+ youth involves creating safe, supportive environments where they can express their identities freely. This includes implementing anti-bullying policies, providing access to mental health resources, and fostering inclusive communities both in schools and online. It's crucial to educate and empower allies to stand up against discrimination and promote acceptance. Parents disowning their LGBTQ+ youth can have devastating effects, leading to increased risks of homelessness, mental health issues, and suicidal ideation. Acceptance and support from family are crucial for the well-being and development of LGBTQ+ individuals. It's essential for parents to seek understanding and offer unconditional love to their children, embracing them for who they are. Protecting LGBTQ+ children with the same tenacity as all children isn't just about equality—it's about recognizing that their safety, dignity, and well-being are non-negotiable human rights.

GlobalGiving is giving away $1.2 million to nonprofits around the world today! Any little bit can help LGBTQ families. Will you help? Mama Dragons uses platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to provide information and support for parents. LGBTQ-affirming parenting is the most significant way to reduce LGBTQ youth suicide. Social media platforms offer a powerful means to impact LGBTQ education for parents. Social media provides a space for diverse voices within the LGBTQ community and allies to share personal stories, resources, and educational content. Mama Dragons is participating in GlobalGiving this year with the goal of expanding the reach of our peer-led support groups to an additional 1,000 caregivers in need of LGBTQ education, directly impacting another 2,000 LGBTQ kids. This funding will provide support for all 7 of our services to help new families for one year. mamadragons.org https://lnkd.in/eD7m8a-Z

Come learn with Learning for Justice at #NCSS2023! LFJ is presenting two workshops: Best Practices for Serving LGBTQ+ Students and Using Critical Practices to Deepen Student’s Connection to Social Studies. See attached for more details! #education #socialjustice

We’re firm believers that diversity should be celebrated. Yet, according to a 2023 UCLA report, LGBTQ+ youth experience hunger and food insecurity at a rate higher than their peers who do not identify as LGBTQ+. This is partially attributed to LGBTQ+ youth skipping school or avoiding school cafeterias because they are being bullied or feel unsafe, and therefore are missing school meals. When kids are hungry, it's also harder for them to focus in the classroom. This #PrideMonth, we both celebrate LGBTQ+ youth and acknowledge the unique challenges they face. All kids deserve unrestricted access to school meals. All kids deserve to feel safe in the cafeteria. All kids deserve to feel nourished so they can concentrate in class. We will always advocate for this. 🏳️🌈 View the report: https://ow.ly/2qLQ50Sk3No

If you want to know why I joined the GLSEN board, this video should explain the reasons and how you can help too.

"When LGBT+ young people are supported at home and at school, they are able to flourish in adulthood. When school and home are not supportive environments, LGBT+ young people face worse mental health and higher levels of shame and are far less confident that they will be able to achieve the things that adults typically hope to. The consequences are vast and serious. Unsupported LGBT+ young people are half as likely to be happy in adulthood." Just Like Us Positive Futures Report: How supporting LGBT+ young people enables them to thrive in adulthood. The full report has some great recommendations for how school staff can support LGBTQ+ young people and highlights the significant difference they can make... https://ow.ly/OiMg50Slj37 #LGBTYouth #MentalHealthMatters #InclusiveEducation #TraumaInformed

On campus, LGBTQ+ students face unique challenges affecting mental well-being. 🧠 About 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ college students have considered dropping out of college due to mental health issues according to a survey from BestColleges. Discover the crucial importance of creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ students in higher education, where acceptance is the key to success and growth: https://hubs.li/Q02cw1Q10