Lassen County~ California ~

Resources for LGBT Youth and Friends/Supporters

• Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Teens: Facts for Teens and Their Parents
  If you’ve ever wondered if you’re gay, lesbian, or bisexual, you’re not alone. Many teens ask themselves this question, and here are ways to find some answers. For parents and caregivers, finding out your son or daughter is gay, lesbian, or bisexual can present challenges. Learn more about how to be supportive.

• HealthyChildren.org: Health Concerns for Gay and Lesbian teens
  Information for LGBT teens on sexual activity, substance use, mental health, discrimination, and violence.

• It Gets Better Project
  The It Gets Better Project inspires people across the globe to share their stories and remind the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth that hope is out there, and it will get better.

• Q Chat Space
  Q Chat Space is a digital LGBTQ+ center where teens join live-chat, professionally facilitated, online support groups. Also available in Spanish (disponible en español).

• The Trevor Project: Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
  The Trevor Project is a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

Resources for Educators and School Administrators

• Just the Facts: A Primer for Principals, Educators, and School Personnel
  Just the Facts provides information and resources for principals, educators and school personnel who confront sensitive issues involving gay, lesbian and bisexual students.

• Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
  Accurate information for those who want to better understand sexual orientation.

• National Education Association: 6 Tips for Educators Dealing with Harassment of LGBT Students
  From Stepping Out of the Closet, Into the Light: A Report on the Status of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People in Education

• StopBullying.gov: Information for LGBTQ Youth
  Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) youth and those perceived as LGBT are at an increased risk of being bullied. There are important and unique considerations for strategies to prevent and address bullying of LGBTQ youth.

• The Trevor Project: Education and Resources for Adults
  The Trevor Project’s “Trainings for Professionals” include in-person Ally and CARE trainings designed for adults who work with youth. These trainings help counselors, educators, administrators, school nurses, and social workers discuss LGBTQ-competent suicide prevention.

Resources for Parents, Guardians, and Family Members

• Advocates for Youth (AFY): Are you an Askable Parent?
  AFY provides lesson plans, tips and strategies, background information, and additional resources to help youth-serving professionals create safe space for young people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

• American Psychological Association: Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
  Accurate information for those who want to better understand sexual orientation.

• HealthyChildren.org: Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBT Teens
  “Coming out” is a lifelong journey of understanding, acknowledging and sharing one’s gender identity and/or sexual orientation with others.

• Kidshealth.org: Sexual Attraction and Orientation
  Information for parents on how youth experience sexual attraction and orientation, as well as how you as a parent or guardian may feel about and deal with youth on this topic.

• Parents’ Influence on the Health of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Teens: What Parents and Families Should Know Cdc-pdfpdf icon[PDF – 254 KB]
  Information on how parents can promote positive health outcomes for their LGB teen.

• SAMHSA: Helping Families to Support Their LGBT Children
  This resource guide was developed to help practitioners who work in a wide range of settings to understand the critical role of family acceptance and rejection in contributing to the health and well-being of adolescents who identify as LGBT.

• StopBullying.gov: Information for Parents
  Parents play a key role in preventing and responding to bullying. If you know or suspect that your child is involved in bullying, here are several resources that may help.