School Building Transgender & Gender Diverse Readiness Assessment 

What does the word transgender mean?
Transgender emerged as a popular term in the 1990s, although earlier references exist. The specific meaning of transgender varies across time, culture, and individual interpretation. Today, transgender is frequently used as an umbrella term for people who identify outside of socially prescribed male and female norms. It is sometimes more specifically defined as an individual whose gender identity does not match the sex assigned at birth.

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Resources

Policy Documents

• Position Statement: Safe Schools for Transgender and Gender Diverse Students
• Position Statement: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth
• Resolution on Gender and Sexual Orientation Diversity in Children and Adolescents in Schools
• Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy

Professional Development Resources

• Helping Transgender Students Succeed at School and at Home
• Creating an Inclusive School Environment for Transgender and Gender Diverse Students: Tools for Leading Change
• Working with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students in Schools
• NASP 2016 Annual Convention Keynote Address With Janet Mock

Publications and Research

• FAQ: Gender Inclusive School Policy and Law
• Dot Brief: Safe and Supportive Schools for LGBTQ Students
• Safe School Environments for Transgender Students
• Keeping Up With Transgender Youth
• Transgender Youth
• Gender and School Psychology: Let’s Talk About Gender
• Therapeutic Work With Gender-Variant Children: What Schools Psychologists Need to Know
• Parents of Youth Who Identify as Transgender: An Exploratory Study

Resources From Allied Organizations

• U.S. Departments of Education and Justice Dear Colleague Letter on Transgender Students
• American Psychological Association Division 16: Promoting Resiliency for Gender Diverse and Sexual Minority Students in Schools
• The Trevor Project’s Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention
• GLSEN Model District Policy on Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students

Organizations

American Institutes for Research (AIR) 
AIR's Health and Social Development program works with a range of youth-serving systems and agencies to improve policies, services, and care for LGBTQ youth. This site offers a range of related resources and technical assistance information.  
American Psychological Association (APA) APA provides fact sheets, best practices and other resources for supporting LGBTQ youth. See the Resolution on Gender and Sexual Orientation Diversity in Children and Adolescents in Schools adopted by APA and NASP.
Children of Lesbian and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE) COLAGE unites people with LGBTQ parents into a network of peers and supports them as they nurture and empower each other to be skilled, self-confident, and just leaders in our collective communities.
Family Acceptance Project (FAP) FAP is a research initiative that helps support the mental well being of LGBTQ youth, parents and families. This site offers training, up to date information and publications to help students of different cultures and religions.  
Family Equality Council (FEC) FEC works at the local, state and federal level to provide current information as well as equality maps to inform people about the LGBT movement. They also provide family stories and an online forum, "Ask the Experts."
Find Youth Info (LGBTQ Youth from the U.S. Government) Find Youth Info is an organization that connects youth to useful programs to help promote their wellbeing. It provides publications, briefs, guides and video podcasts on LGBT youth related topics.  
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) GLAAD uses different sorts of media platforms to increase LGBTQ awareness. They offer publications, resource kits, media training as well as a resource lists with information based on the major LGBTQ qualifiers.  
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) GLSEN is an organization that conducts research, partners with decision makers and other educational organizations to improve school climate for LGBTQ students. They provide year-round programs, educator resources and information on current policies.  
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) HRC is a human rights campaign that focuses on ending discrimination of LGBTQ individuals. HRC offers resources on various topics including: school resources for LGBT parents, resources on cyber bullying, and transgender issues in the K-12 system.   
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund Lambda Legal is an organization that strives to help LGBTQ students in school, increase HIV awareness and challenge police and criminal justice. They also provide information on individual rights, LGBTQ legal cases and offer a Legal Help Desk.
National Workgroup to Address the Needs of Children and Youth Who Are LGBTQI2-S and Their Families The Child, Adolescent and Family Branch ensures mental wellness and promotes the well-being for children at risk of having an emotional or behavioral disturbance. They provide technical assistance and mental health resources to families and youth.
Parents and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) PFLAG is an organization that supports, educates and advocated for LGBTQ youth. They provide resources to children, families, friends and allies. Resources include: regional events, various programs, an online newsroom and outreach tools.    
Project 10 Project 10 work with other LGBT organizations to ensure that all public schools are in accordance to federal legislation that support LGBTQ students. They provide resources for educators, school administrations, scholarships for students and other information for school staff.
Trevor Project The Trevor project is non-profit organization that works to end suicide in the LGBTQ population. They offer a 24/7 hotline, crisis counseling, educational resources and advocacy to help reduce risk factors for suicidal youth. 
True Colors Fund The True Colors Fund helps to end LGBT youth homelessness. They provide programs in public policy, community organizations, youth collaborations, public education as well as research. They also offer workshops, and a map with LGBTQ friendly service providers.