Implementing an Ally Development Model to Promote Safer Schools for LGB Youth: A Trans-Disciplinary Approach

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) students experience ongoing bullying, harassment, and lack of safety in school. Specialized instructional support personnel (SISPs), such as school counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists, are in a unique position to advocate for LGB students and to implement an ally development model. The purpose of this article is to describe the current climate for LGB students, to discuss the current barriers facing SISPs in advocating for change, and to provide a model of ally development for use at each level of the K–12 system.

KEYWORDS:

• ally development
• youth
• schools
• lesbian
• gay
• bisexual