UW Health’s Post

Subject: Sign the Petition! Local School Board Members Across Michigan: Support Inclusive Schools in Michigan! Friend, I signed a petition on Action Network urging Local School Board Members Across Michigan to support inclusive schools in Michigan! Our LGBTQ+ youth need our support right now. It's crucial to have safe and inclusive schools for our youth. We stand against discrimination and political agendas harming our children. Join me in signing this petition to support LGBTQ+ youth and educators. Let's send a strong message that inclusivity is non-negotiable! This petition, led by PRISM Detroit, GLSEN Southeast MI, Stand with Trans, and Michigan Education Justice Coalition, aims to promote policies fostering safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ students. Let's demand inclusive schools where all students' identities are respected. Take action now: [Action Network Petition](https://lnkd.in/eAHqajJe) #SupportInclusiveSchools #LGBTQYouth #SafeSchools #MichiganEducation #StandWithLGBTQ #InclusiveEducation #NoHate #EqualityInEducation

How can you make a difference for LGBTQ+ youth at a time when more and more states are restricting supportive and affirming services that research shows can make a difference? Since the start of the year, 460 anti-LGBT laws have been proposed in states across the US. These include book bans, censorship of LGBT-inclusive curriculum, restrictions on affirming care for trans youth, mandatory outing bills, and “don’t say gay” bills. These bills are poised to cause harm to an entire generation of young people. At a moment in time when an LGBTQ+ young person attempts suicide every 45 seconds in this country, the response of many of our state policymakers is to take away spaces, services, and care that can make a difference and save lives. This is heartbreaking. Although more and more states are codifying climates that shame LGBTQ+ people, there are still ways that we can individually take action and create pathways for young people to grow into their hopeful possibilities. Each of us hold the power to make small differences that can add up. As a caring adult, you can play a crucial role in encouraging young people to accept and feel proud of who they are by using affirming language and creating protective moments that celebrate (rather than shame) their LGBTQ+ identities. Today, Mentorist.org is releasing my new free self-paced course for caring adults, youth-serving organizations, and educators: "Supporting Identity in LGBTQ+ Youth." In the course, you'll learn: - An overview of identity development in LGBTQ+ youth - Identity milestones  - A closer look at strategies you can use to support LGBTQ+ young people as they question, explore, accept, share, and synthesize their identity - Resources and additional learning. I invite you to share this free training with anyone who wants to support LGBTQ+ youth amid our current crisis. Visit Mentorist.org, and subscribe to my mailing list to receive an email when each new module comes out and to receive updates on ways you can make a difference. If you want to know more about these trainings, or how I can work directly with your organization to build your capacity for inclusion, please reach out!

Human Library September [2023] • Organizing committee of the Human Library event (support staff) • Members: 50 • Goals: People share personal experiences and provide chances for people to have a deeper comprehension of many facets of society [INTRODUCTION] HUMAN LIBRARY SEASON 5: Living Voice - Stories Untold The Human Library is a unique concept where you can borrow a "Human book" for conversations you might not otherwise experience. Each human book represents a specific group in society, such as people with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, or the homeless, all deserving of your time for understanding. Originating in Denmark in the early 2000s, the project has spread to over 80 countries globally. In Vietnam, it aims to attract youth for unique and meaningful experiences, fostering understanding and breaking societal barriers. With a new theme, "Living Voice - Stories Untold," it's a fantastic opportunity to embark on the endless adventure of extraordinary human stories. By participating, you can hear the genuine stories of "Human books" about experiences rarely shared, expanding your perspective, breaking down barriers, prejudices, and enhancing understanding among individuals in society.

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.

We are the LGBT+ children from the years of Section28. Twenty years on from the repeal I reflect on the irreparable damage Section28 caused an entire generation. Not only were denied an inclusive education but we didn’t have the means to access information via internet platforms or social media. Section28 perpetuated a cycle of shame and stigma that has taken many of us years to recover from. I have made it my mission to be the voice I needed to hear when I was at school and have taught LGBT+ Awareness Eductaion in schools around the UK since 2015. Children should have the right to an education that recognises, validates and support their experiences. You can’t learn to be LGBTQIA+ but you can learn to feel ashamed of who you are. Familiarise children with LGBT+ topics and we help children understand themselves and one another, we normalise the LGBT+ community and we directly tackle discrimination. Yet in 2023 70% of LGBT+ children are still being bullied. We must do better to ensure that LGBT+ youth feel safe at school. There are many wonderful education services out there like Just Like Us & Diveristy Role Models. Please support them!

Our "ctrl+alt+lgbt" report highlights that 78% of LGBTQ+ adults use the internet for job searches, 87% seek health information online, and over 70% participate in online education and skill development. This infographic explores these critical areas, illustrating the impact of digital access on the well-being and professional advancement of LGBTQ+ individuals and the importance of ensuring equitable access to these services.

In honor of Pride Month, I have shared a few tips for parents to support their young person in coming out. The stakes are particularly high for children of color, making this support even more critical. If you have a young person who is part of the LGBTQ community and are unsure where to start, I invite you to read my latest blog post. https://lnkd.in/egbTk85B

Fabulous resources below

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