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.
All external hyperlinks are provided for your information and for the benefit of the general public. The Department of Health Services does not testify to, sponsor, or endorse the accuracy of the information provided on externally linked pages.
Hyperlinks marked with the 
icon indicate Wisconsin resources.
Course Development
Description: Training, technical assistance and materials development for individuals and organizations for those wishing to develop an 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
LGBTQ Youth Resource Brief for Schools
Description: Links to web resources and electronic documents from the Maternal and Child Health Library at Georgetown University
Resource availability: 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 wellbeing
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
