General recommendations for school counsellors (Reading)

Decide to be an ally

An ally is a person who supports and respects LGBTQI+ identities. It is very important that LGBTQI+ students know that you are there for them. Research shows that just knowing that there is a supportive educator at school can help LGBTQI+ students feel better about being in school, even if they don’t come to you directly.

You can become visible as an ally by displaying LGBTQI+-supportive materials in your office (posters, leaflets, rainbow flag etc.) or wearing a visible marker (for example rainbow bracelet or a badge). Also, your visibility as an LGBTQI+ friendly person is best seen through your actions (responding to anti- LGBTQI+ behaviour, using inclusive language, making no assumptions regarding anyone’s sexuality / gender identity etc.).

Respond to anti-LGBTQI+ language and behaviour

An active ally speaks up and stands up for a person or a group that is being discriminated against or treated unfairly. In school environments anti-LGBTQI+ behavior happens very often and comes in all shapes and sizes: biased and homophobic language, name-calling, bullying and harassment, and in extreme cases even physical assault. Learning how to respond and responding to anti-LGBTQI+ behaviour can be very challenging, especially if there is little or no support for doing so from the principal, teachers and other school staff. However, ignoring this behaviour sends a message that it is OK to bully and discriminate against students who are different and increases the fears for personal safety of LGBTQI+ youth. Although the task is difficult, it is imperative to address and respond to anti-LGBTQI+ language and behaviours.

Support student clubs, such as gay-straight alliances

Research shows that student support groups, clubs or Gay-Straight Alliances are a valuable resource that can help to make schools feel safer and more welcoming for LGBTQI+ students, as well as provide support for LGBTQI+ students to better cope with everyday challenges. These clubs are usually student-led, but have a faculty advisor (from the school staff). Being an advisor provides an opportunity to be a more visible ally and to provide additional support to the students.

Recommended additional resources

The Safe Space Kit: Guide to Being an Ally to LGBT Students (2019) / Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network – GLSEN. Retrieved 9. November 2021 from: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED512337.pdf Tackling homophobic language / Stonewall Education Guides. Retrieved 9. November 2021 from: https://www.stonewall.org.uk/sites/default/files/tackling_homophobic_language_-_teachers_guide.pdf