Supporting LGBTQI+ Students | A Teacher and School Allyship Guide

Introduction: Why Allyship in Schools Matters

For many young people, school is the place where they first start to explore and express their identity. But for LGBTQI+ students, schools can also be environments of bullying, exclusion, or misunderstanding.

Research shows that LGBTQI+ students who feel supported at school have higher attendance rates, stronger academic outcomes, and better mental health. Teachers, principals, and staff play a vital role in making schools safe, inclusive, and affirming.

This guide provides practical steps for schools and educators to become true allies for LGBTQI+ students.

1. Create Safe and Inclusive Classrooms

Safety is the foundation of learning.

Tips for teachers:

• Enforce zero tolerance for bullying, slurs, or harassment.

• Intervene immediately when witnessing discrimination.

• Use inclusive language with your students.

• Establish classroom rules that promote respect and kindness.

🚸 Why it matters: Students learn best in environments where they feel safe, valued, and protected.

2. Respect Pronouns and Names

Affirming a student’s identity shows respect and helps them feel included.

Tips:

• Ask students their pronouns at the start of term (privately, if necessary).

• Use chosen names consistently — in class, on roll calls, and in activities.

• Encourage staff to normalise pronoun sharing (e.g., “Hi, I’m Ms. Brown, my pronouns are she/her”).

• Correct yourself if you make a mistake, and move on without making it awkward.

💬 Why it matters: Using correct pronouns affirms identity and reduces stress for LGBTQI+ youth.

3. Representation in Curriculum

Inclusion isn’t just about policies - it’s also about visibility in what students learn.

Ways to diversify curriculum:

• Include LGBTQI+ authors, historians, and artists in reading lists.

• Highlight queer figures in science, politics, and literature.

• Use examples in lessons that don’t assume heterosexuality (e.g., “a student might go to the school formal with their partner - male or female”).

  
  

📚 Why it matters: Representation helps LGBTQI+ students see themselves reflected in their education and builds empathy among peers.

4. Celebrate LGBTQI+ Awareness Days

Schools can demonstrate visible allyship by celebrating key days of recognition.

Examples:

• 🌈 Wear It Purple Day (celebrating LGBTQI+ youth).

• 🏳️‍⚧️ Trans Awareness Week.

• 🌍 IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia).

Ideas include student-led assemblies, poster campaigns, guest speakers, or classroom discussions.

🎉 Why it matters: Visible celebration signals to LGBTQI+ students that their identities are valued.

5. Provide Access to Support Services

Students need more than classrooms - they need access to resources when life gets tough.

Tips:

• Ensure school counsellors are trained in LGBTQI+ inclusion.

• Provide a list of LGBTQI+ friendly hotlines and services (like QLife, Headspace, Minus18).

• Set up safe spaces such as peer support groups or diversity clubs.

• Train staff in mental health first aid for LGBTQI+ youth.

🤝 Why it matters: Access to supportive resources reduces risk factors like anxiety, depression, and isolation.

6. Engage Parents and the Wider School Community

Family and community involvement strengthens the culture of inclusion.

Ideas:

• Host parent information nights on LGBTQI+ inclusivity.

• Share resources for families in newsletters or online portals.

• Partner with local LGBTQI+ organisations to provide training.

• Encourage parent groups like PFLAG to be visible at school events.

👨‍👩‍👧 Why it matters: Inclusion is most effective when families and schools work together to support young people.

7. Lead by Example as Educators

Teachers and school leaders are powerful role models.

Tips:

• Share your pronouns in introductions.

• Attend LGBTQI+ awareness training.

• Show up at student-led diversity events.

• Use inclusive teaching materials and actively promote respect.

📣 Why it matters: When educators model allyship, students follow their lead.

Conclusion: Schools as Safe Havens for Queer Youth

Every LGBTQI+ student deserves a school where they feel safe, celebrated, and respected. Teachers and schools that embrace allyship don’t just change individual lives - they change culture for future generations.

🌈 Remember: When schools create inclusive environments, LGBTQI+ students thrive, and the entire school community benefits.