Your Rights as a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning (LGBTQ) Youth
Out, Safe & Respected
You have a right to ...
Be open, honest and proud about who you are. Your school can’t force you to stay in the closet.
Take the time to learn who you are. You may be confused or unsure if you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Only you can decide when you are ready to come out to your family or at school.
Wear clothes you are comfortable in. While schools can set policy about appropriate dress or dress codes, LGBTQ youth should be able to dress according to their gender identity.
Be respected. Your school’s policy against teasing, bullying or harassment must be applied to you in the same way that it’s applied to other students. Your school district is also responsible for protecting you from sexual harassment.
Report any abuse. Your school needs to know about any problems you are facing in order to help you. Report all forms of abuse to your principal.
File a complaint. Public schools are required by federal law to have complaint procedures, and many private schools have policies in place to address any problems students may face.
Form a GSA. Public high school students can form gay-straight alliances if their school has any other noncurricular clubs. Many private schools also recognize and welcome GSAs.
Advocate for a non-discrimination policy. Many schools and school districts have nondiscrimination and antiharassment policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity. Find out about your school’s policies and advocate for change if necessary.
Take a date to the prom. Schools can’t legally require that only boy-girl couples attend the prom.
Be safe. Your school is legally obligated to give you the same protection it gives other students.
