Responsive School Practices to Support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Students and Families

by Fisher; Emily

• ISBN13: 9780415890731
• ISBN10: 041589073X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-06-06
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

The needs and rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students and their families are often ignored, generally misunderstood, and only rarely given priority by the school system. This book will provide the school-based mental health practitioner with the tools necessary to implement change in partnership with school administrators, teachers, parents, and other community stakeholders. It begins with an overview of the unique issues and challenges faced by LGBTQ students and their families, including a discussion of sexuality and gender identity development within the interconnected contexts of home, school, and community. Part 2 focuses on practical steps to take to create an inclusive school environment and offers prevention and intervention techniques to address bullying, counseling services, and group exercises to support these goals. Part 3 extends the reach of these school-based efforts to the community and families, to reinforce the steps taken in the school context. A companion CD will give the school mental health professional a plethora of student/teacher/family/administrator handouts, activity planners, and other materials to help implement these programs. Also included will be several pre-formatted PowerPoint presentations that the counselor or psychologist can use to lead discussions with teachers, administrators, and parent groups.