How to support LGBTQIA+ students at school

LGBTQIA+ students walk into their classrooms every day, like any other student, hoping to learn, connect with peers, and thrive. For many of them, though, school is a place where they face anxiety, fear, and exclusion. Recent research found that an astounding 73% of LGBTQIA+ youth have experienced discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Even more shocking, 45% have seriously considered suicide in the last 12 months. 

These aren’t just statistics—they represent real students who feel invisible, alone, and unsafe, even in schools that claim to be inclusive. To say it’s important to know how to support LGBTQIA+ students in the classroom is a gross understatement. 

It’s time to move beyond rainbow stickers and policy statements. Every student deserves meaningful, systemic, interpersonal change. Keep reading to learn practical, progressive steps educators and administrators can take to ensure LGBTQIA+ students are protected and supported. This is not just an act of empathy. It’s a commitment to your students and to action and equity.

1. Understand LGBTQIA+ identities and intersectionality

LGBTQIA+ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and other identities that fall outside of heterosexual and cisgender norms. These terms have and will continue to evolve, and on some level, they’re a reflection of the fluid and diverse ways we all might experience gender and sexuality. 

Common terms to know include:

• Gender identity refers to the internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere on the gender spectrum
• Sexual orientation describes who someone is attracted to
• Nonbinary is identifying as not exclusively male or female
• Intersex means born with variations in sex characteristics

Identity doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Intersectionality shows how overlapping identities—like being LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, disabled, or part of a religious minority—can combine and increase the challenges a student faces. For example, a Black, nonbinary student might have to deal with both racism and transphobia, making their experience vastly different from a white LGBTQIA+ peer.

Nearly half of LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. (42%) are also people of color, and 58% of them experience discrimination based on race in addition to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Understanding how and where identities intersect is a crucial part of knowing how teachers can support LGBTQIA+ students​. It’s anything but a one-size-fits-all effort. 

2. Move from safe spaces to brave spaces

“Safe spaces” were designed to protect students, but we can see real growth happen by creating “brave spaces.” These environments encourage students to engage in honest dialogue and challenge assumptions. It’s an opportunity to make holding each other accountable the norm. Brave spaces are vital for LGBTQIA+ students. They can promote emotional development and resilience, which is critical when trying to engage in hard conversations about identity, bias, or belonging.

When creating a safe space for LGBTQIA+ students​, educators can establish classroom norms that encourage constructive disagreements, effective conflict resolution, and mutual respect. They can offer opportunities for sharing personal experiences. If a student challenges a heteronormative example in a lesson, a brave space allows open discussions rather than silence. School-wide brave spaces can take the form of assemblies, where students can discuss the issues affecting LGBTQIA+ communities. With adults modeling vulnerability and accountability, it can be an effective process.

3. Practice inclusive and empowering teaching

Representation is a crucial part of understanding how to help LGBTQIA+ students​. These students rarely see their identities reflected in the curriculum or classroom conversations. This might signal to them that they’re invisible or unimportant. Over time, this can harm everything from self-esteem to engagement to academic achievement.

Inclusivity goes beyond just displaying a single “Pride” book on the classroom shelf. You need to fully incorporate and integrate LGBTQIA+ voices and stories into all core subjects. 

‍Some ways you can foster gender inclusivity in schools, particularly within the classroom, include:

• Highlighting queer scientists in biology
• Including LGBTQIA+ history in social studies
• Analyzing queer literature in English
• Using examples in math that don’t assume binary genders or heterosexual relationships 
• Avoiding heteronormative and binary language in lessons, assignments, examples, assessments, and discussions.

These efforts will go a long way in creating a safe space for LGBTQIA+ students​, but beware of tokenism (one-off efforts). Representation must be authentic, consistent, and meaningful, not decorative.  

^{EXPERT INSIGHTS
“Students who don’t see their identities reflected in curriculum or classroom conversations may feel that they do not belong. They may not feel safe expressing their identity and may start to feel isolated and alone. These feelings can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression.”}
_{- Laura Magnuson, MA, MS, LAMFT, VP of Clinical Engagement}

4. Respect privacy, pronouns, and student autonomy

All educators, administrators, and other school members must commit to using correct names and pronouns. It’s one of the most effective ways schools can support LGBTQIA+ students​. This is not optional. It’s fundamental to showing respect for all students, regardless of how they identify.  

It’s important to note that some states or districts have enacted policies restricting how educators can discuss, ask about, or affirm student pronouns or identities. These laws can place educators in challenging positions, where supporting students conflicts with school or state rules. If you are in a setting with these limitations, focus on what is within your control: modeling respect, providing private support where allowed, and creating a classroom culture that values every student’s dignity and autonomy. When possible, advocate for policies that prioritize student well-being and mental health.

Never force a student to share anything they don’t volunteer about their identity or preferences in front of their peers. Confidentiality is critical, and you shouldn’t ever disclose a student’s LGBTQIA+ identity without their explicit consent. This even applies to talking with parents. Outing a student before they’re ready can cause severe mental health risks. It can cause increased anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. In fact, being outed is one of the top fears for LGBTQIA+ youth—29% of them won’t even seek mental health care due to their fear. 

If you make a mistake with a student’s pronouns, you should take the following steps:

• Apologize briefly and sincerely
• Correct yourself and move on
• Avoid making a big scene or drawing extra attention to the issue
• Commit to doing better next time
• Forgive yourself

^{EXPERT INSIGHTS
“If a student is outed without their consent, it could lead to very negative impacts. The student may be overwhelmed with feelings that they were not ready to navigate. They may not have been ready to share and can feel like you are no longer a trusted person.”}
_{- Laura Magnuson, MA, MS, LAMFT, VP of Clinical Engagement}

5. Support identity exploration, not just identity disclosure

It can help to think of identity as a journey, not a destination. Exploring identity is a fluid, evolving, and personal process. It happens before a student shares their identity (which is known as coming out).

If you have students exploring gender identities through new names, pronouns, or labels, celebrate them. As educators, it’s essential to create a space for experimentation while ensuring that you don’t pressure students to “come out” or define themselves before they’re ready. Pushing for them to offer a label too early can be stressful, scary, and confusing. It’s always best to let students lead at their own pace.

Quiet support strategies that support identity exploration can include:

• Allowing students to choose pronouns on assignments
• Offering opt-in identity stickers
• Providing private check-ins
• Giving anonymous feedback boxes
• Designating a quiet corner or space with identity resources available 
• Offering diverse books and media throughout the classroom
• Encouraging small group or one-on-one check-ins

6. Support mental health with trauma-informed, queer-affirming care

Trauma-informed care recognizes the harm caused by rejection, misgendering, and erasure. Inclusive counseling that’s delivered by mental health professionals trained in queer-affirming practices can literally be lifesaving. Yet, 60% of LGBTQ youth who sought mental health care in the past year couldn’t access it.

Schools and educators have a unique and powerful opportunity to support LGBTQIA+ students by improving student mental health resources. Providing ongoing training for counselors and hiring mental health staff can make a real difference in a student’s life.

Digital mental health solutions, such as Talkspace, are affordable, accessible, and effective. They ensure confidential, affirming care is available to the students, educators, and families who need it most. It’s effective, too. In clinical studies, 56% of Talkspace users saw significant improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms after just three weeks of text-based therapy.

7. Rethink allyship as ongoing, active work

True allyship isn’t a badge you earn—it’s something that takes daily commitment and practice. Authentic allies can correct peers, update materials, and advocate for policy change that’s needed. They will stand with students, even when it’s uncomfortable. To support LGBTQIA+ students, you need more than performative allyship, which would be just showing up when it’s Pride Month or posting a rainbow sticker but not doing anything else. 

It’s the small actions that send the most powerful messages and ensure students feel seen, valued, and validated. 

‍Silent signals of support and allyship could include:

• Displaying inclusive posters or stickers in classrooms 
• Intervening when you see microaggressions or bullying
• Using gender-neutral language in lessons, announcements, and materials
• Updating forms to include nonbinary options
• Attending GSA meetings as an adult ally

8. Audit and improve your school’s systems

Individual efforts by teachers are important, but systemic change is also essential in supporting LGBTQIA+ students. School policies on things like dress codes, bathroom access, disciplinary practices, and sports team participation send the strongest signals about who belongs—and who doesn’t.

For example, a restrictive dress code and gendered bathroom policies can alienate transgender and nonbinary students. Disciplinary practices from teachers may disproportionately target LGBTQIA+ students of color, making them feel even more excluded. Sports teams that aren’t gender inclusive may leave out transgender students. 

While individual educators don’t have control over every policy, they can be partners and allies who offer evidence of the need for change and advocate for it. A good place to start is by reviewing your school’s policies through an LGBTQIA+ lens. Look for barriers to participation and materials or forms that use non-inclusive and outdated binary language.

9. Let LGBTQIA+ students lead and be heard

Centering students’ voices is a critical part of your efforts, but it’s also important not to speak for LGBTQIA+ young people. Support is crucial, but empowering students to speak for themselves can be even more rewarding. You can help by supporting and sustaining Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) and other LGBTQIA+-friendly clubs and providing funding, mentorship, and advocacy without taking over.

Adult allies and educators can step back and still have a meaningful impact. Offer resources, amplify and support student-led initiatives, and connect students to resources found in community partners. Research suggests that when students are allowed to lead, genuine change occurs. The mere presence of organizations like student-led GSAs improves students’ experiences and well-being, creating a more positive school climate. 

10. Involve families and communities in the work

Although not all families will be affirming, many are open to learning more about how to be inclusive and supportive. To help, use gender-neutral language in newsletters, host family events that promote inclusiveness, and offer multilingual resources to ensure messages reach everyone, regardless of language barriers. If you face resistance, respond calmly and firmly. Focus on the main goal: student well-being and the school’s commitment to equity and inclusion.

For help, organizations like PFLAG offer critical educational resources and support for families of LGBTQIA+ youth. You can use these resources as a springboard to invite families into the conversation. They can offer a pathway for learning, growth, and connection, especially if the families are open to it. 

Create a culture of care—inside and beyond the classroom

Creating a safe space for LGBTQIA+ students​ is not a set-it-and-forget-it process. It requires commitment, compassion, and a willingness to learn. Educators and school personnel may need support along the way, too. This journey can be emotional and challenging. Talkspace provides confidential and affirming mental health services for students, teachers, school officials, and parents. Whether you’re looking for guidance, therapy, or just someone to talk to, Talkspace is there for schools and their communities. 

If you’re ready to make a supportive and inclusive school environment where LGBTQIA+ students have the guidance and resources they need, request a demo to see how Talkspace can help. Together, we can cultivate a school culture founded on care and inclusion.

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Sources:

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1. Hagai, Ella Ben, Rachelle Annechino, Nicholas Young, and Tamar Antin. 2020. “Intersecting Sexual Identities, Oppressions, and Social Justice Work: Comparing LGBTQ Baby Boomers to Millennials Who Came of Age After the 1980s AIDS Epidemic.” Journal of Social Issues 76 (4): 971–92. https://doi.org/10.1111/josi.12405. Accessed June 14, 2025.
2. Funders for LGBT Issues. n.d. “People of Color - Funders for LGBTQ Issues.” Funders for LGBTQ Issues. https://lgbtfunders.org/resources/issues/people-of-color/. Accessed June 14, 2025.
3. Medina, Caroline, and Lindsay Mahowald. 2023. “Discrimination and Barriers to Well-Being: The State of the LGBTQI+ Community in 2022.” CAP. January 12, 2023. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/discrimination-and-barriers-to-well-being-the-state-of-the-lgbtqi-community-in-2022/. Accessed June 14, 2025.
4. Talkspace. 2023. “New Research: Talkspace Releases Early Findings That ‘Text Therapy’ Highly Effective for Frontline Healthcare Workers at Onset of COVID-19 Pandemic.” GlobeNewswire News Room, February 7, 2023. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/02/07/2602937/0/en/New-Research-Talkspace-Releases-Early-Findings-that-Text-Therapy-Highly-Effective-for-Frontline-Healthcare-Workers-at-Onset-of-COVID-19-Pandemic.html. Accessed June 14, 2025.
5. Russell, Stephen T., Meg D. Bishop, Victoria C. Saba, Isaac James, and Salvatore Ioverno. 2021. “Promoting School Safety for LGBTQ and All Students.” Policy Insights From the Behavioral and Brain Sciences 8 (2): 160–66. https://doi.org/10.1177/23727322211031938. Accessed June 14, 2025.

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