YW Boston’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

Great article on key terms all school administrators and educators should know, as they lead their school community towards building more welcoming schools that create a sense of belonging for LGBTQ students. Educate yourself! #k12 #LGBTQ #students #teachers #equityineducation #equityandinclusion

New article I wrote for Born This Way Foundation for Channel Kindness: "How Schools Can Ensure The Safety + Support for Transgender + Nonbinary Students" https://lnkd.in/dmWXMvPz #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtqia #pride #pridemonth #Pride2024 #transrights #transrightsarehumanrights

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

Dive into ASBJ to explore how you can take action to create safer schools for nonbinary students. Vanessa Ford & Rebecca Kling share key principles for promoting equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ students. Let's work together to foster environments where every student can thrive!

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

SUPPORT LGBTQ+ STUDENTS, STOP FORCED OUTING Pass the SAFETY Act (AB 1955) In 2023, at least ten California school districts adopted policies requiring teachers and other school staff to notify parents if a student uses a different name or pronouns at school, even if doing so would put the student’s safety at risk. These forced outing policies targeting trans and nonbinary students violate California’s antidiscrimination and privacy laws. LGBTQ+ youth and their families – not politicians – deserve to decide on their own terms when and how to have conversations about identity. Young people thrive when they have parental support and feel safe expressing their authentic selves at home, but it can be harmful to force them to do so before they’re ready. Policies that require outing students without their consent harm everyone – students, parents and guardians, families, and school staff – by unnecessarily putting students at risk and removing opportunities to build trust. The SAFETY Act (AB 1955) strengthens California law prohibiting school districts from enacting forced outing policies to ensure that ALL students are safe and supported. https://shorturl.at/VCNuW

Check out this recent study by Dr. Mollie McQuillan, ELPA doctoral student Benjamin Lebovitz, and doctoral student LaShanda Harbin from the Department of Educational Policy Studies! #ThisIsELPA #transgender #transgenderrights #transgenderawareness #k12 #k12education #lgbtq #lgbtqrights #educationalleadership #educationpolicy

A new UW–Madison study sheds light on how state and local government laws, policies, and proposals limiting LGBTQ+ students’ rights have proliferated in recent years, how those policies harm students, and how states and school boards have failed to respond to federal court rulings related to LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Throughout the study, researchers looked into trends surrounding these policies, factors within schools proposing these policies, and other commonly found curriculum bans alongside anti-LGBTQ+ policies. To learn more, read below. https://lnkd.in/gB9cFUS9