In the wake of Mental Health Awareness Month and Pride Month, the U.S. Education Department is drawing attention to the youth members of the LGBTQ+ community living in rural areas who are left with limited access to mental health services.
Nearly half of the youth living in rural areas who identify as LGBTQ+ stated their community was somewhat or very unaccepting. LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas also have higher suicide rates compared to those in urban areas, according to a July 6 blog post from the Education Department.
The Education Department created a "toolkit" of resources dedicated to creating inclusive and nondiscriminatory school environments for LGBTQ+ students. Here are a few of the resources included in the compilation:
The Education Department provides financial resources for schools to enhance mental healthcare access and reduce incidents of bullying or harassment for LGBTQ+ students. Examples of these grants are funds under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Stronger Connections Program, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Programs, and Governor's Emergency Education Relief Programs. Additional funds under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act provides support to children and youth who are experiencing homelessness. Among this group, there is an overrepresentation of students who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as people of color, English learners and those living with disabilities.
The Education Department and other federal agencies provide resources for schools and school districts to improve school safety and inclusivity. The Best Practices Clearinghouse is an online compilation of the practices deemed most successful in improving school safety through the development of mental health services and overall school climate. The department's Office of Safe and Supportive Schools funds The National Center for Safe Supportive Learning Environments, which provides information and technical assistance on creating safer and more inclusive learning conditions. Finally, the Equity Assistance Centers offer training to schools and districts on how to best serve LGBTQ+ students.
The Education Department offers a resource providing information surrounding students' rights to form and participate in Gender and Sexuality Alliances and other similar groups. GSAs, also known as Gay-Straight Alliances, allow students to create a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students, students with parents a part of the LGBTQ+ community or anyone interested in LGBTQ+ issues. GSAs have positively impacted school environments by reducing bullying and creating a greater sense of support and connectedness among LGBTQ+ students, according to research from the CDC conducted in 2021.