LGBTQQ+ STUDENT BILL OF RIGHTS

The YFOC LGBTQQ+ Student Bill of Rights is aligned with California Ed Code and provides a model for creating LGBTQQ+ positive, affirming and protective classrooms and campuses. The Resolution calls for school districts to:

  1. Dedicate funding for services, trainings, resources, and events that intentionally create safe and welcoming schools for LGBTQQ+ students.

  2. Establish an LGBTQQ+ Task Force to provide implementation and oversight for applicable laws and associated LGBTQQ+ affirming and protective programming.

  3. Develop a district-level leadership LGBTQ+ Liaison who will direct matters related to the safety and well-being of all students, specifically those in the LGBTQQ+ community.

CALIFORNIA HEALTHY KIDS SURVEY

The California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) is an anonymous, confidential survey of school climate and safety, student wellness, and youth resiliency. It is administered to students at grades five, seven, nine, and eleven. It enables schools and communities to collect and analyze data regarding local youth health risks and behaviors, school connectedness, school climate, protective factors, and school violence. The CHKS is part of a comprehensive data-driven decision-making process on improving school climate and student learning environment for overall school improvements. (California Department of Education)

ADDITIONAL STUDENT & SCHOOL SUPPORT

  • Gay Straight Alliance Outreach and Support: 

    Every year, we visit and outreach to over 45 Orange County high school and middle school Gay Straight Alliances and equivalent clubs to connect them with our resources and services.

    Additionally, we provide support to Gay Straight Alliances through school-wide events, such as Pride Week, Safe Zone Trainings, etc. If you are a student leader or staff member interested in having us visit your club meetings to present information about The LGBTQ Center OC, please contact the LGBTQ Center OC’s Director of Advocacy and Education, Stephanie Camacho Van-Dyke at stephanie.vandyke@lgbtqcenteroc.org or the Youth Program Coordinator, Wendi Evans at wendi.evans@lgbtqcenteroc.org

  • Trainings

    Our organization provides educational workshops and trainings to middle and high schools in order to develop an inclusive learning environment for students. We are receiving more workshop requests than before, where schools look to our organization for answers on how to create a positive educational experience that reflects the diverse lives and experiences of their students. We are able to provide educational workshops and trainings to students on topics related to the LGBTQQ community, such as: LGBTQQ Language and Terminology; LGBTQQ History; Identity and Self; LGBTQQ Education for Students and Teachers; How to Create Safe Zones; and LGBTQQ Literature and Writing Personal Narratives. It is crucial to view students through a holistic lens that recognizes and tries to understand the way in which identity and experience shape the LGBTQQ students we work with in schools. Students are able to see themselves reflected in education where they do not usually appear and are able to connect and learn in a positive manner. Through our work in schools, students are able to experience a safe and supportive learning environment, where their lives are reflected and they can increase their academic achievement, positive identity, and well being in a holistic manner.

    Request Training Here

  • District Advocacy:

    The LGBTQ Center OC supports the advocacy efforts of students and teachers to make schools safer and inclusive for LGBTQQ students in school by pushing for updated policies and practices in school at local school district meetings. The LGBTQ Center OC works with policy experts to provide information, tools and resources to help districts and staff implement model policies that support the success of LGBTQ students and comply with California State Education Codes. The LGBTQ Center OC is prepared to work with your district as a community partner to develop relevant and appropriate instructional and support materials based on district needs such as professional development trainings, educators guides, and Safe Zone ID Badges. Contact: tony.ortuno@lgbtqcenteroc.org

  • OC LGBTQQ Youth Convening:

    The OC LGBTQQ Youth Convening is an annual conference organized by LGBTQQ youth leaders to bring together other LGBTQQ youth and their allies for a day of education, networking and support. We have a full day of workshops, presenters, resources and tools for attendees to raise awareness and create safe, affirming and inclusive spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth in Orange County. Info about Youth Convening 2020 coming soon!

  • OC Color Me Equal Leadership Boot Camp

    Each summer, we invite middle and high school LGBTQQIA students ages 14-20 and Gay-Straight Alliance student leaders and members to participate in our “Color Me Equal” Leadership Camp, a two-week leadership series comprised of educational and interactive workshops. Youth leaders from the LGBTQ Center’s youth leadership group, Youth Empowered to Act, and youth program staff facilitate workshops focused on building education and developing safe and supportive educational environments for LGBTQQ youth. Educational topics include: LGBTQQ Language and Terminology; LGBTQQ History; Identity and Self; Gay-Straight Alliance Club Development and Leadership; Safe Zone Trainings for Schools; and Writing Personal Narratives. As witnessed through the experiences of the workshop presenters and youth participants, the “Color Me Equal” Leadership Camp provides opportunities for youth to increase and build their academic success and connectivity and leadership skills to educate their peers on how to foster safe and supportive learning environments for all students regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity. Participants will learn tools to help their GSAs (Gender and Sexuality Alliances) and LGBTQQ clubs educate, advocate, and organize for safe, welcoming and inclusive schools for all LGBTQQ students.

  • Rainbow Warrior’s GSA Advisers Help Site

    Rainbow Warriors is Romero Cruz Academy’s gay-straight alliance (GSA). Rainbow Warriors is a safe and welcoming club for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) youth and their friends. We accept all students regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.   The group has been active for 9 years and are virtually available to all SAUSD students, grades 5-12.
    The GSA Advisor’s website is designed for GSA (gay-straight alliance/gender and sexuality alliance) faculty advisors.  The website had advice for starting and maintaining a GSA as well as example activities to do with your group.