In this guide, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions we’ve heard from college administrators. This is meant to assist your college’s leadership in figuring out how to best support the LGBTQ+ community on your campus.
In the wake of the election many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) students, faculty, staff, and alumni may be feeling uncertain about their future. At the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), we recognize that you too may be struggling to understand where we go from here, especially related to the important work your campus does on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The information that follows is general guidance and information that can support the LGBTQ+ community on your campus to make decisions that feel right for them, but it is not legal advice. HRC strongly encourages you to seek expert advice about your particular situation including from your own legal counsel.
Many LGBTQ+ young people are feeling scared, anxious, upset, and alone at this moment and they need to know there are supportive resources available. Now is the time to amplify support resources for the LGBTQ+ community on your social media and in campus announcements.
Consider uplifting campus mental health resources available to students as well as any LGBTQ+ student organizations. You can also amplify the following national resources for LGBTQ+ young people:
+ The 988 Lifeline: Call or Text 988
+ The Trevor Project: 24/7 crisis counseling, call 1-866-488-7386 or text 679-678
+ The Steve Fund Crisis: Text Line for youth of color, text 741-741
+ TrevorSpace: LGBTQ+ affirming online community for 13-24 year olds
+ Trans Lifeline: Connecting trans folks to resources and communities of support.
+ CenterLink’s Database of Local LGBTQ+ Centers & Programs: Find a local LGBTQ+ center or program for support and community
+ PFLAG: Support of family members of LGBTQ+ people with local chapters across the country
+ Q Chat Space: Online moderated chat for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-19
+ imi Guide: Resources for LGBTQ+ youth by LGBTQ+ youth
Faculty and staff can play a pivotal role in supporting students in crisis, but they may need additional training so they can effectively identify those students. If you do not already, consider equipping your faculty and staff with information to identify distress, especially suicidality. If your campus has counseling services, consider working with them to provide information and resources to your campus community on identifying signs of suicidality in conjunction with amplifying life-saving resources.
Provide a safe and affirming space for marginalized students including, LGBTQ+ and allied students, to share their concerns, their fears, and their anxieties related to the recent election. Ensure that you amplify resources for all students, but allow them to lead the discussion. Remember, we cannot promise them that everything will be ok, but we can promise them that we will continue to support them and be there for them.
Additionally, consider sharing or advocating for inclusive messaging and commitments from college leadership. Connect with your school’s President, Chancellor, Boards, and other leaders and encourage them to send affirming messages of support for marginalized students and communities. Additionally, encourage leadership to commit to continuing the important work of LGBTQ+ & Multicultural Centers, disability resources, Women’s centers, as well as affirm their continued commitment to fostering an inclusive community for all.
Consider preparing your Student Health Center to address student concerns about the continuation of their care. Some students may have concerns about their ability to continue receiving adequate healthcare including students on PrEP, birth control, and/or receiving gender-affirming care.
Student health centers should consider how to best address student questions particularly around if the student’s care becomes inaccessible. Additionally, student health centers may want to ensure they have up-to-date referral resources for local LGBTQ+ affirming health care programs and facilities.
You are not alone in this work or in this fight! Stay informed with accurate updates on what the Trump administration is implementing and its impact on our community. Plus engage with other higher education professionals to build up a network of supportive peers.
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