3 Steps Schools Can Take This Month to Support LGBTQ Students

Too often, schools want to support LGBTQ students but don’t know where to begin. The truth is, you don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Here are three steps schools can start this month that make an immediate difference for LGBTQ students — and, in fact, for all students.

📊 Data Snapshot: Why Action Can’t Wait

• School climate is still hostile for many LGBTQ students (Mauceri, 2025). GLSEN’s latest nationwide survey found widespread anti-LGBTQ language and discrimination in middle and high schools, and documents that supportive resources (like GSAs and inclusive curriculum) are linked to better outcomes (GLSEN, 2021).

• Mental health risks remain high—especially for trans and nonbinary youth. In 2024, 39% of LGBTQ young people seriously considered suicide; among trans and nonbinary youth, it was 46%. Access to affirming schools and adults is associated with lower suicide risk (The Trevor Project, 2024).

• Policy headwinds are real. The ACLU is tracking 600+ anti-LGBTQ bills in 2025 state sessions; many target schools and student rights (American Civil Liberties Union, 2025).

• Curriculum and visibility are uneven. Only ~26% of LGBTQ youth (13–17) live in states with LGBTQ-inclusive curricular laws, while ~39% live in states with at least one school censorship law (Movement Advancement Project, 2025).

• Federal signals have shifted. Recent federal actions and enforcement moves have increased pressure on districts over transgender-inclusive policies, underscoring why local leadership and school-based protections matter now (Mauceri, 2025; Schmidt, 2024; The White House, 2024).

Step 1: Establish a GSA or Similar Group

GSAs provide visibility, advocacy, and a safe space for students to connect. Even a small group signals institutional support.

Examples: Peer mentoring, awareness campaigns, advocacy.

Quick start kit:

•Find two student conveners and a staff member to advise

• Pick a weekly lunch meeting

• Create a one-page norms/mission

• Advertise in advisory

Step 2: Empower LGBTQ Students and Staff

Student leadership reshapes culture faster than top-down mandates.

Examples: Invite students to co-lead events, present at assemblies, or sit on climate committees where they can shape real practices (e.g., name/pronoun usage, safe reporting).

Quick start kit:

• Add two student reps to the School Culture/SEL team

• Host a 20-minute “student speak-out” in PD

• Offer service hours or micro-stipends for leadership roles

Step 3: Promote LGBTQ Visibility

Visibility normalizes inclusion so LGBTQ students see themselves reflected, and peers learn empathy and respect.

Examples: Integrate LGBTQ texts in ELA and history, highlight contributions in STEM and the arts, showcase inclusive events (assemblies, Pride Month, library displays).

Quick start kit:

• Add one LGBTQ-authored text this unit

• Run a library/foyer display for Ally Week

• Include pronoun discussions in advisory

Small Steps, Meaningful Systemic Change

Creating safer, more inclusive schools doesn’t require huge budgets or complicated policies — it starts with small, meaningful steps like these (Mauceri, 2025). Research shows that inclusive resources such as GSAs, trained staff, and LGBTQ-affirming curriculum improve school climate, strengthen academic outcomes, and support student wellbeing (GLSEN, 2021).

If you’re ready to move from “quick wins” to systemic change, Mauceri Education, an approved NYC DOE vendor,  can help your school build lasting structures of equity and inclusion.

Reach out at www.maucerieducation.org to schedule a non-obilgatory discovery call.

Content developed by Mauceri Education with AI support for online sharing.