One Colorado: We're kicking off LGBTQ Education Week!

By Daniel Ramos, Executive Director, One Colorado  We are excited to kick off LGBTQ Education Week! I started my career at One Colorado as the Youth and Schools Program Coordinator nearly nine years ago. Now as I enter my fourth year as Executive Director at One Colorado, this week is still special to me.  When the limited hours of a school day may be the only chance you have to be your authentic self, clubs like Gay-Straight Alliances or Gender and Sexualities Alliances (GSAs) are a necessity. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth live this reality every day. Students need sincere friends, sympathetic peers, and supportive adults to thrive — an active GSA can do all that and more. Step up and be the change in your school. Check out our new web resources for students, parents, and educators in supporting LGBTQ youth and download our guides on starting or sustaining a GSA in your school today.

According to the GLSEN 2017 Colorado School Climate Snapshot, schools with an active and engaged GSA showed better student engagement and better mental health outcomes for LGBTQ youth than those schools that did not. Something so simple can pay huge dividends, especially when suicide is the leading cause of death for Colorado youth ages 10 to 24.  Stay tuned throughout LGBTQ Education Week to learn more about GSAs, our Youth Leadership Council, and ways you can be an effective ally to LGBTQ youth.

P.S. If you are a LGBTQ or allied student who is looking to start a GSA, you can email our Youth and Schools Program Coordinator, Jordan Anthony, at jordana@one-colorado.org for more information.