LGBTQ+ RESOURCES GUIDE
FOR CAREGIVERS / PARENTS:
(The following sites were taken from https://www.cfceofthenorthshore.com/resource-center)
HOW TO:
AAP: Parenting a Gender Diverse Child: Hard Questions Answered https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/Pages/Parenting-a-Gender-Diverse-Child-Hard-Questions-Answered.aspx
AAP: Supporting Gender Identity Development in Children
Johns Hopkins: Tips for Parents of LGBTQ Youth
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/tips-for-parents-of-lgbtq-youth
Guidance for MA Public Schools Creating a Safe and Supportive School Environment
http://www.doe.mass.edu/sfs/lgbtq/GenderIdentity.html
HRC’s Glossary of Terms
https://www.hrc.org/resources/glossary-of-terms
Responding to Challenging Questions from Children Re: LGBTQ
https://www.welcomingschools.org/resources/challenging-questions/
HRC: Supporting and Caring for Transgender Children
https://assets2.hrc.org/files/documents/SupportingCaringforTransChildren.pdf
HRC Guide to how to respond to anti LGBTQ comments
https://assets2.hrc.org/welcoming-schools/documents/NEA_HRCF_Stop_Anti_Gay_and_LGBTQ_Comments.pdf
HRC Being Prepared for Questions and Put Downs
Important days of action that you can celebrate to show solidarity and affirmation for LGBT people in your community:
https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/2020-07/GLSEN-20202021-Calendar-V1_0.pdf
Actions and tips that can be used as you move toward becoming a better trans ally and Trevor Project guide to bring an ally to Trans and NonBinary youth
https://lgbtrc.usc.edu/files/2015/05/Actions-Tips-for-Allies-of-Trans-People1.pdf
BOOK AND FILM SUGGESTIONS:
Middle Grade Book Suggestions
https://assets2.hrc.org/welcoming-schools/documents/WS_15_Great_Middle_Grade_Welcoming_School.pdf
Picture Book Suggestions
https://assets2.hrc.org/welcoming-schools/documents/WS_Top_Books_for_a_Welcoming_School.pdf
LGBTQIA+ Books for Teens
https://www.readbrightly.com/new-lgbtq-books-for-teens/
Book and Film Suggestions (with sections for elementary, middle, and high school students)
LGBTQ+ History Films
https://time.com/5589725/best-lgbtq-documentaries/
Challenging Gender Stereotypes in the elementary classroom
What We Will Become, Mimi Lemay
https://www.amazon.com/What-We-Will-Become-Transformation/dp/0544965833
Gender Revolution, A Journey with Katie Couric. A National Geographic Documentary exploring the rapidly shifting landscape on Gender.
ONLINE SUPPORT:
Family Equality Neighborhood: A hub for LGBTQ and families to connect during Covid-19
https://www.familyequality.org/neighborhood/
Gender Spectrum Online Support Groups for pre-teen, teens, parents, family and caregivers
https://www.genderspectrum.org/articles/gender-spectrum-groups
NAGLY (North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ Youth), based in Salem - online groups, mostly for teens; monthly meetings online for parents and educators
SUICIDE PREVENTION:
The Trevor Project: Implications of Covid-19 for LGBTQ Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
The Trevor Project: Resources for Preventing Suicide
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/preventing-suicide/
REPORTS and SURVEYS:
DESE Guidance for MA Public Schools Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
http://www.doe.mass.edu/sfs/lgbtq/GenderIdentity.html
The Trevor Project National Survey On LGBTQ Youth Mental Health Results 2020
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2020/
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth 2020 Report and Recommendation
https://www.mass.gov/doc/ma-commission-on-lgbtq-youth-2020-report-and-recommendations/download
HRC 2018 Gender Expansive Youth Report
https://www.hrc.org/resources/2018-gender-expansive-youth-report
ORGANIZATIONS:
North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ Youth
Greater Boston PFLAG
Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network
Human Rights Campaign
Welcoming Schools
https://www.welcomingschools.org/
Resource for adults to help communicate open and honestly with young people about puberty, reproduction, relationships, sex and sexuality in a healthy and affirming way.
Works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environment for all children and teens
It Gets Better Project - brief, encouraging videos geared toward LGBTQ+ youth
https://itgetsbetter.org/stories/
FOR YOUTH SERVING PROFESSIONALS, EDUCATORS, HEALTH PROVIDERS & ALLIES:
Click on the image to download your copy of “Supporting Transgender And Nonbinary Youth” Toolkit
Developed by the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), this toolkit was created to equip youth-serving professionals, educators, health providers, and adult allies with best practices, cultural knowledge, and practical strategies to affirm, protect, and celebrate transgender and nonbinary youth. It is grounded in the belief that every young person deserves to feel seen, safe, and supported—not just to survive, but to thrive.
The toolkit begins by providing foundational information, including key terms and gender exploration at different stages of development. It then details policies, procedures, and practices that programs, schools, organizations, and other support services for youth can implement to promote a safer and welcoming environment. After the recommendations, it outlines the laws and legal protections that protect transgender people against discrimination and harassment.