Creating School Environments to Support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Students and Families A Guide for Working With Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth and Families

The importance of creating safe spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students in the school environment cannot be overstated. It is one of the most prominent issues facing school professionals today, and its success has lasting, positive effects on the entire student body. Drawing on the expertise of researchers and practitioners, Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments provides a comprehensive examination of the topics most relevant for school professionals. The first section lays out the theoretical foundation and background school professionals need to understand the social and political trends that impact LGBTQ individuals, the development of sexual orientation and gender identity, risk and resilience factors, and the intersection of LGBTQ identity with other aspects of diversity. The second section explores topics critical for the development of safe, supportive school environments, including understanding legal and ethical mandates, training school personnel, addressing bullying and harassment, and developing inclusive classrooms. Special topics related to counseling LGBTQ students, supporting families of LGBTQ students, becoming an ally and advocate in the schools, and connecting with community resources are also covered. CE credit isavailable to purchasers of this book at www.mensanapublications.com.

Part I: Theoretical Foundations and Background 1. Supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Students, Parents, and Families Emily S. Fisher 2. Putting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Context: Historical Influences and Social Trends Judy Chiasson and Ronni Sanlo 3. Adolescent Development: Identity, Intimacy, and Exploration Omar B. Jamil, Gary W. Harper, and Douglas Bruce 4. Promoting Resilience in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth Karen Komosa-Hawkins and G. Thomas Schanding, Jr. 5. Transgender and Intersex Students: Supporting Resilience and Empowerment Anneliese A. Singh 6. Diversity Across the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Community Cirleen DeBlaere and Melanie Brewster Part II: Applications in the Schools and Community 7. Law, Policy, and Ethics: What School Professionals Need to Know Asaf Orr and Karen Komosa-Hawkins 8. Training School Professionals to Work with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Students and Parents Joy S. Whitman 9. Safe Schools: Prevention and Intervention for Bullying and Harassment Dorothy L. Espelage and Mrinalini A. Rao 10. Responsive Classroom Curriculum for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Students Emily A. Greytak and Joseph G. Kosciw 11. Creating Inclusive School Environments for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Headed Families and Their Children Alicia L. Fedewa and Ashley Candelaria 12. Counseling Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Students Grady L. Garner, Jr. and Dennis M. Emano 13. Educating and Empowering Families of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Students Caitlin Ryan and Stuart F. Chen-Hayes 14. Educators as Allies in Support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Students and Parents Robert A. McGarry 15. Accessing Community Resources: Providing Support for All Kelly S. Kennedy

Emily S. Fisher, PhD, is an associate professor in the school psychology program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Karen Komosa-Hawkins, PhD, is an assistant professor in the counseling program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.