Whether you are looking for basic information on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) terms and concepts or want to know what it means to be an ally, we’ve gathered several helpful LGBT-related resources for you here. Discover resources that cover multiple LGBT topics, review issues that especially affect LGBT youth, and suggest ways you can get involved in supporting your LGBT community!

General Information on LGBT Issues:

• LGBTQ Youth Bullying- 33% of LGBTQ high school students reported being bullied at school and 27% reported being bullied online. However, there are ways to make yourself and your friends feel more safe. Steps include respecting your peers for who they are and reporting bullying when you see it. 
• Parents, Friends, and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) — Get practical tips and real-world examples on how to be a straight ally for LGBT people.

Bias and unwelcoming environments put LGBT youth at a higher risk of experiencing bullying, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and homelessness compared to their peers.[i] The organizations listed below provide information on why LGBT youth are at greater risk for experiencing these issues than their peers, and how services and welcoming communities can help.

Organizations Working to Improve LGBT Outcomes:

• The Trevor Project — Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBT youth.
• It Gets Better Project — Supports LGBT youth facing harassment and bullying by helping them through the tough times and giving them access to a community of supporters.
• Stopbullying.gov — Offers tips to trusted adults, such as parents, teachers, or school counselors, on how to create a safe environment for LGBT youth and to talk about and prevent bullying.

Want to do more to support LGBT youth? These resources provide some great ways to get involved in your school or community.

Groups to Help You Get Active in Your Community:

• Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network — Make a difference to end bias and harassment of LGBT people at your school. GLSEN offers the programs and tools you need, like this Jump-Start Guide, to help address LGBT issues in your school.
• Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Network — Get trained as a youth leader to educate others and promote policies that protect LGBT youth from harassment and violence. Begin by following these 10 Steps for Starting a GSA.

Learn More

For more resources, check out PFLAG’s list of recommended online LGBT resources for families, youth, and teachers that focus on issues such as health, faith, and advocacy as they relate to LGBT youth issues.

To learn more about LGBT topics, visit Youth.gov and read about YE4C Change Makers Josh, Amanda, and endever*.

Be sure to “Like” our Facebook page, Youth Engaged 4 Change, for more updates like this and other exciting opportunities!