The LGBT Youth Teacher Training program aims to create a positive and safe school environment for LGBT youth. LGBT youth are disproportionately affected by suicide and poor mental health outcomes due to limited social support, isolation, and negative events rooted in bullying, homophobia, and transphobia (Siljestrom, 2021). Data has shown that LGBT students who did not believe that their school environment was safe often faced higher rates of bullying, no source of an adult role model who steps in during instances of verbal harassment, and transphobia/homophobia. However, LGBT students that have at least one adult role model in school can significantly increase mental health outcomes and coping skills. Therefore, this training program initiative educates teachers on their potential as adult role models in the school system to build resilience, instill trauma-informed policies, and implement a county-wide Gay-Straight Alliance. The inclusion of LGBT representation into a school curriculum promotes inclusion. As a result, this intervention aims to combat health disparities and trauma among a vulnerable population.
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