What Is LGBTQ Discrimination? – LGBTQ Rights And Laws:

In this guide, https://florinroebig.com/lgbtq-discrimination/, gain insight on the following: 

• Discrimination in the workplace, healthcare system, social setting, and legal settings.
• The laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights. 
• What to do if you have experienced discrimination.
• & much more. 

Helpful Resource on LGBTQ and Trauma:

No Matter What Recovery recognizes that trauma within the LGBTQ community is a serious issue and needs to be more recognized. They’ve created a resource page to educate families, schools, and communities on mental health issues they’re faced with and ways in which they can support them. Learn more: https://nomatterwhatrecovery.com/trauma-and-the-lgbt-community/ 

Helpful Resource on Back to School Anxiety for Families:

D’Amore Mental Health is dedicated to raising awareness on mental health. They’ve created a resource page on ‘back to school anxiety’ for families and schools to help educate them on signs to look for that their child may be experiencing anxiety. This resource also covers how to talk with toddlers, grade-schoolers, middle schoolers, and high schoolers about anxiety, and how parents can tend to their own mental health. Learn more: https://damorementalhealth.com/back-to-school-anxiety/  

College Resource Guide for LGBTQ+ Youth:

Finding the right school is important for every prospective student, but those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or queer (LGBTQ) face further challenges when choosing a college. In addition to obstacles that all students face, like researching different majors and obtaining financial aid, students who are LGBTQ benefit from finding a school that is accepting of their identity and supportive of their unique needs. Read more in this resource from Maryville University:  https://online.maryville.edu/blog/college-guide-for-lgbtq-students

Creating LGBTQIA+ Friendly Schools and Campus Communities:

Creating LGBTQIA+-friendly schools and universities promotes a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This leads to several benefits such as promoting diversity and inclusivity, reducing discrimination and bullying, improving mental health, helping LGBTQIA+ students achieve academic success, and creating a positive learning environment for everyone involved. Read the full article here: https://psychologymastersprograms.com/lgbtqia-friendly-schools-and-campus-communities/

The articles listed below offer a more in depth view of what Safe Space NOVA seeks to tackle as it relates to LGBTQ+ youth.

• Alarming CDC Data Show LGBTQ Youth Face High Rates of Violence and Bullying

• CDC: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)

• Behavioral Health – LGBT Youth (youth.gov)

• Sexual Identity, Sex of Sexual Contacts, and Health-Related Behaviors Among Students in Grades 9–12 — United States and Selected Sites, 2015

• Stomp Out Bullying – Anti-Gay Bullying

• Online Safety Measures for LGBT Folks

• LGBT Youth Resources

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please consider the following resources:

You can also download our DC/Maryland/Virginia Local Resource Brochure here.

Local Resources:

• HIPS

HIPS promotes the health, rights, and dignity of individuals and communities impacted by sexual exchange and/or drug use due to choice, coercion, or circumstance. HIPS provides compassionate harm reduction services, advocacy, and community engagement that is respectful, non-judgmental, and affirms and honors individual power and agency. HIPS offers a 24/7 hotline to provide emotional support, schedule supplies deliveries, and get connected to health and supportive services.

HIPS Helpline (24/7):  1 800-676-4477

Website: http://www.hips.org/

• TeensHealth

TeensHealth is a safe, private place for teens who need honest, accurate information and advice about health, emotions, and life. TeensHealth is accessible 24 hours a day so you can get the doctor-approved information you need to make educated decisions — or help a friend who needs advice. 

Website: http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/

• Fairfax LGBTQ Youth (FLY)

FLY is a support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning teens, as well as allies, ages 12-19. The group is a safe space for participants to share thoughts and feelings about things going on in their lives and to participate in activities with friends. FLY is a community group sponsored by Metro DC PFLAG and hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax.

Email: fairfaxpflag@gmail.com

Website: http://pflagdc.org/support/community/ 

• Whitman-Walker’s Peer Support Groups

The Peer Support Program offers volunteer-based counseling services on various issues (help with LGBT and HIV-related concerns, like coming out, relationships, self-esteem, transitioning, managing chronic conditions, etc). All Peer Support services are free of charge. To learn more about our Peer Support Program, please call the Peer Support Program Coordinator at 202-939-7646 or e-mail peersupport@whitman-walker.org. An initial screening appointment is necessary for admission.

Website: https://www.whitman-walker.org/care-program/peer-support-general

• Fenway Health

Talk to our trained volunteers about safer sex, coming out, where to find gay-friendly establishments, HIV and AIDS, depression, suicide, and anti-gay/lesbian harassment and violence. No matter what is on your mind, we are here to encourage and ensure you that you are not alone.

LGBT Helpline (25+): 1-888-340-4528     Hours: Monday – Saturday, 6:00 – 11:00 pm

Peer Listening Line (25 & Under): 1-800-399-PEER     Hours: Monday – Saturday, 5:00 – 10:00 pm

Website: http://fenwayhealth.org/

• Alexandria Safe Place

Safe Place is a national youth outreach and prevention program for young people in need of immediate help and safety. As a community-based program, Safe Place designates businesses and organizations as Safe Place locations, making help readily available to youth in communities across the country. Locations include: libraries, YMCA’s fire stations, public buses, various businesses, and social service facilities.

Local Website: https://www.alexandriava.gov/recreation/info/default.aspx?id=51726

National Website: http://nationalsafeplace.org/

• DrugRehab.com

DrugRehab.com is a web resource provided and funded by Advanced Recovery Systems. Since 2015, the website has provided researched, fact-based resources for free. Readers can learn about risks of various substances, the latest approaches to treatment and real stories of recovery on DrugRehab.com. Substance use disorders have a greater effect on LGBTQ+ people than on the heterosexual population. The LGBTQ+ community must overcome several obstacles, including being denied substance abuse treatment because of their sexual identity. However, through the proper understanding and accommodation of LGBTQ+ care principles, substance abuse treatment can be successful.