LGBT Health - Information for Educators

Schools can provide support, safety, and education that encourage social, emotional, and physical development in youth. However, data from Wisconsin indicate that LGBT youth may not experience the same educational benefits as their other peers. When compared to their non-LGBT peers, LGBT youth are less likely to agree that their teachers really care about them and to feel a sense of belonging at school. They are more likely to skip school because they feel unsafe. Additionally, they are at risk for experiencing adverse health outcomes. When compared to their non-LGBT peers, LGBT youth are more likely to attempt suicide, smoke, initiate sex at a younger age, and are less likely to report support from parents and teachers.

The following resources are intended to increase awareness among educators of health issues and disparities affecting LGBT youth. Use the left hand navigation bar to learn more about any of the health concerns addressed below.

Hyperlinks marked with in the content below indicate Wisconsin resources.

Course Development 
Description: Training, technical assistance and materials development for individuals and organizations for those wishing to develop HIV/AIDS prevention, health education, or human sexuality courses for use in an educational setting; provided by the University of Wisconsin, Madison: Professional Development and Applied Studies.
Resource availability: Madison, Internet

Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools 
Description: Leadership development for youth and skill development for GSA advisors and other secondary school educators.
Resource availability: South Central Wisconsin, Internet

National Gay and Lesbian Task Forces
Description: LGBT resource page for issues ranging from parenting to aging.
Resource availability: Internet

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Description: A 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Resource availability: Internet and toll-free hotline: 1-800-273-TALK [8255]

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Description: Training, information, and tools to help allies of LGBT people promote LGBT health and well-being.
Resource availability: Wisconsin

Safe Schools for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Students  
Description: Resources to support safety and respect of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students within schools, published by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Resource availability: Wisconsin

StopBullying.gov
Description: Information from various government agencies on how kids, teens, young adults, parents, educators and others in the community can prevent or stop bullying.
Resource availability: Internet

Top Health Issues for LGBT Populations Information and Resource Kit
Description: Resource for prevention professionals, healthcare providers, and educators regarding current health issues among LGBT populations.
Resource availability: Internet

See all General Resources