LGBTQ+ Resources

School-based health centers (SBHCs) are able to take specific steps to provide culturally competent care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth, potentially impacting these students’ well-being. At the New York School-Based Health Alliance, we advocate for LGBTQ+ students and are committed to ensuring their equitable care. Below are important phone numbers, resources, and information for SBHCs and staff as well as for students and their families.

Get Help

If you or someone you know identifies as LGBTQ+ and is in need of help or someone to talk to, please text or call one of the numbers provided here, or visit their websites to learn more and find a local resource near you.

Trans Lifeline Hotline

1-877-565-8860

The Trevor Project Hotline

1-866-488-7386

National Runaway Safeline

1-800-786-2929

Resources for SBHCs and Staff

  • Supporting Safe and Healthy Schools for LGBTQ Students: Published by GLSEN, this report provides insight into the work of school-based mental health professionals’ – counselors, psychologists, and social workers – to support LGBTQ youth, as well as barriers they face to supporting them.
  • Supporting Black LGBTQ Youth Mental Health: A kit put together by the Trevor Project in light of protests surrounding Black Lives Matter.
  • The Trevor Project’s Resources on Preventing Suicide: As a parent or educator, you can be a lifeguard for your children or students by understanding the warning signs and risk factors of suicide and letting the youth in your life know that support is always available if they need it. 
  • Cultural Competence Webinar Series: Quality Healthcare for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender People: This webinar series was created by GLMA Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality and explores the health concerns and healthcare needs of LGBTQ individuals.
  • Creating Gender Inclusive Schools Film: Creating Gender Inclusive Schools is a concise and complete overview of how teachers can implement gender-inclusive practices.
  • School-based Professional Development: “From an individual workshop on deepening understandings about gender, to applying this knowledge to your practice in our year-long intensive “training of trainers” Inclusive Schools Network, we offer a full range of trainings, consultations and resources for educators who are seeking help in creating gender inclusive schools. In all of our work, we honor the diversity of your community and pay particular attention to the specific needs of racial, ethnic and cultural communities.”

Resources for Students

  • Student and GSA Resources: GLSEN’s list of resources for LGBTQ+ students as well as ways to get involved in Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSA). 
  • It Gets Better Project: lists of resources for LGBTQ+ youth across multiple identities as well as a collection of over 1100 organizations in 40+ countries around the world offering support to LGBTQ+ youth.
  • PTSA Resources for Youth: Gender Spectrum in partnership with National PTA to provide resources for parents who are interested in learning more about gender.
  • The Audre Lorde Project: The Audre Lorde Project is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color community organizing center, focusing on the New York City area, with resources specific to NYC.
  • QCard Project: The Q Card is a simple and easy-to-use communication tool designed to empower LGBTQ youth to become actively engaged in their health, and to support the people who provide their care.
  • Health Concerns for Gay and Lesbian Teens: Information for LGBT teens on sexual activity, substance use, mental health, discrimination, and violence.
  • LGBTQ Student Resources & Support: Creating More Welcoming Environments for LGBTQ Teens and College Students

Resources for Parents/Caregivers

Literature on SBHCs and LGBTQ+ Health

For a full database on published literature related to School-based health centers and LGBTQ+ Health visit the SBHC Literature Database built by the National School-Based Health Alliance. Below are some papers we believe highlight the important role of culturally competent and LGBTQ+ informed care in the health of LGBTQ+ students.