Support Services for
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) Youth

…a safe environment for all students

Historical Background:
In May of 1990, the San Francisco Unified School District’s Board of Education approved the establishment of a program to provide counseling services to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning high school youth.  The program, Support Services for Gay Youth, began in September of 1990 as one of the programs in School Health Programs Department.
 
Within two years, services were expanded beyond high schools to include responding to the needs of students, families, and staff at all San Francisco Unified School District sites. In 1996, the School Board passed Board Resolution #610-8A6 which recognized the work of Support Services for LGBTQ Youth and mandated a series of changes.  These changes include expanding curriculum, increasing educational materials, increasing awareness and implementation of the Anti Slur Policy, and providing professional development for all staff in meeting the needs of LGBTQ youth.

What is the goal of Support Services for LGBTQ Youth?
The Goal is to provide school site resources and district support to meet the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.

What Is Support Services for LGBTQ Youth?
A program that is completely integrated within San Francisco Unified School District that  collaborates with other programs to make schools safer for all students including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students. The program includes:

• Curriculum development, training, and implementation;
• Counseling and referral services, including school-site group for students, families, and staff regarding LGBTQ issues;
• Professional developments regarding LGBTQ youth issues;
• Theater presentations;
• Community Based Organizations presentations in elementary, middle, and high school classes;
• Gay Pride Commemorations.

Activities within SFUSD and SHPD that support or enhance Services for LGBTQ Youth:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of HIV
• Collaboration with Curriculum Improvement Professional Development (CIPD) regarding Social Studies/Language Arts Curriculum
• District Anti-Slur Policy
• District Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Elementary Health Advocates
• Health Education Curriculum     
• Health Education Teacher Leaders
• Middle School Healthy School Teams and High School Health Promotion Committee
• Safe School Planning
• School District Nurses
• LGBTQ Support Liaisons

For further information contact us.