A National Blueprint for LGBTQ+ Students
LGBTQ+ youth deserve to feel safe, seen, and valued. Yet, across the United States, they face increasing attacks in their schools and communities. From censorship in classrooms to discriminatory policies that put them at risk, their rights and well-being are under threat.
Protect Q Youth is a nationwide initiative committed to ensuring that every LGBTQ+ student has access to an affirming and supportive education.
Our work is rooted in advocacy, education, and direct support, and we are dedicated to mobilizing communities, equipping educators, and creating policy change to protect queer and trans youth.
Our Mission and Strategy
Protect Q Youth is built on three foundational pillars:
Advocacy & Legal Action
We mobilize communities to challenge anti-LGBTQ+ laws and work with legal experts to protect students from discrimination. Our advocacy efforts include:
- Supporting lawsuits that challenge discriminatory education policies.
- Organizing petitions and campaigns against harmful legislation.
- Equipping students, teachers, and families with the tools to fight for their rights.
Education & Community Engagement
We provide comprehensive training and resources to ensure LGBTQ+ students receive the support they need. Our programs include:
- Training for teachers and school staff on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
- Toolkits for parents to help them affirm and advocate for their children.
- Funding for LGBTQ+ student organizations in schools.
Mental Health & Support Networks
Access to affirming spaces is critical for LGBTQ+ students’ well-being. We are expanding direct support through:
- Mental health resources tailored for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Safe spaces in schools and community centers.
- Partnerships with progressive faith organizations to build affirming networks.
The Reality for LGBTQ+ Students
LGBTQ+ students face disproportionate levels of discrimination, harassment, and mental health challenges due to hostile environments in schools and communities. The statistics paint a clear and urgent picture:
- 52% of LGBTQ+ students have been bullied in school due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Nearly one in three transgender youth report being denied access to bathrooms that align with their gender identity.
- LGBTQ+ students are twice as likely to experience depression and suicidal ideation compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
- More than 40% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the last year, with that number rising to over 50% for transgender youth.
- LGBTQ+ students who have at least one affirming adult in their life are 40% less likely to attempt suicide.
These numbers are not just statistics; they are the lived experiences of real students who are being failed by policies that ignore or actively harm them.
The Threat of Harmful Policies
In addition to daily discrimination and social stigma, LGBTQ+ students now face government policies that strip them of protections and resources.
- State and Federal “Don’t Say Gay” Laws are restricting discussions of gender identity and sexuality in classrooms, removing LGBTQ+ support groups from schools, and punishing educators who affirm students.
- Parental Control Bills Like HB 241 are limiting students’ access to LGBTQ+ resources and mental health care, with some laws requiring schools to disclose a student’s gender identity to their parents—regardless of the student’s safety.
Book Bans and Curriculum Censorship are erasing LGBTQ+ representation from classrooms, restricting students’ ability to learn about their identities and history.
Our Partners
Protect Q Youth is powered by Safe Schools, a leader in LGBTQ+ advocacy, education, and support. With mental health, youth & adult virtual trainings, and affirming community support from No Reservations, which connects LGBTQ+ advocacy with progressive faith communities. We also work with:
- National and Local LGBTQ+ Organizations, ensuring that our work reaches every level of government and every school in need.
Educators, Parents, and Student Leaders who are on the front lines of this fight.
