Leadership Letter: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students

When we talk about equity and inclusion in schools, sometimes we forget about ensuring support and understanding of our LGBTQIA+ student population. I have been fortunate enough to work in the counseling profession for more than 25 years and have spent the past 15 years as a high school counselor advocating and supporting the rights of our LGBTQIA+ students. When I came to my school district 15 years ago, I worked with a colleague to create a support group for LGBTQIA+ students called Alphabet Soup. At the time, very few resources were available to LGBTQIA+ youth. I remember clearly searching high and low in the Chicagoland area for a therapist who would address the needs of our youth. I was grateful to find a therapist at that time, but unfortunately my student needed to take a train to the city in order to meet with them. The options were so limited and we certainly did not have access to the virtual world as we do now. Fast forward 15 years, and we have definitely come a long way regarding the mental health and educational support available to LGBTQIA+ youth. Despite this, we still have a ways to go.

As school counselors, we have the ability to make an impact on the lives of all of our students and can utilize our skills, knowledge and resources to better support our LGBTQIA+ students. As potential “experts” we can educate staff and families and celebrate our students and their uniqueness! I have also been lucky to be the sponsor of our GSA (Gender and Sexualities Alliance). It is just another way to help create a positive presence and educate students, staff and families. Over many years facilitating Alphabet Soup and sponsoring GSA, I would often refer to “It Gets Better,” the book and the organization, for excerpts and resources to use both in the group and to assist with GSA planning. Three years ago, our GSA wanted to find a way to get the community more involved and we partnered with a local grassroots organization called SPEAK Des Plaines. From that collaboration we created a Community Pride Celebration. The first year we scraped up enough money and donations to provide a free family-centered event for Pride month with the hope to make it an annual event.

During the planning of that first event, we became aware of a 50 States, 50 Grants, 5000 Voices grant through It Gets Better. We applied for the grant not knowing if we would even have a chance to earn it, but we had nothing to lose. Just prior to our first Community Pride Celebration we learned that we had been chosen in Illinois for the grant – not only were we selected, but they asked us to adjust our budget to request more money and we received a $10,000 grant! That grant allowed us to have a second annual Community Pride Celebration, gave us a greater reach in the community and opened doors to access more resources to make the event a great success. The following year they encouraged us to apply again, and lo and behold, we received another grant. We are currently planning our third annual Community Pride Celebration for June 2024.

I speak to this because it is important for school counselors to remember the power we have to influence not only within our schools but the community around us. Don’t underestimate your sphere of influence and ability to make a difference in students’ lives. My journey as a high school counselor has been a gift and I am grateful for the knowledge and experiences I have gained working with LGBTQIA+ students and families. As we think about equity and inclusion in the work we do, don’t forget the impact you can make every day as a school counselor.

Allyson Adams is a member of the ISCA Board of Directors and a school counselor at Maine West Hight School in Des Plaines.