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Home , The Trevor Project, Tim Gunn

YING RES I-BULL OURC NT E K A IT

FOR STUDENTS

OFFICIAL PARTNERS COMMUNITY PARTNERS

If someone you know displays thoughts of or other self-harm, call the Trevor Project Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) to speak with a trained volunteer counselor. 1 Anti-Bullying Resource Kit For Students glaad.org/spiritday

Contents 4 5 What is Spirit Day? How can I amplify my voice? inside cover t/k 66 7 Where can I find How can I be an ally online? anti-bullying resources? 88 9 How can I stay safe How can I share LGBTQ stories? on social media? 10 How can I promote equality?

2 If someone you know displays thoughts of suicide or other self-harm, call the Trevor Project Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) to speak with a trained volunteer counselor. If someone you know displays thoughts of suicide or other self-harm, call the Trevor Project Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) to speak with a trained volunteer counselor. 3 Anti-Bullying Resource Kit For Students glaad.org/spiritday

How can I amplify What is Spirit Day? my voice? tips for standing up when you see anti-LGBTQ bullying

On October 17, 2019, millions will wear purple for Spirit Day as a symbol , , bisexual, transgender, and (LGBTQ) youth often face of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth serious problems with bullying and harassment in America’s schools. What and to take a stand against bullying. Join media outlets, celebrities, schools, should be a safe place for learning can instead become a dangerous and landmarks and corporations in #SpiritDay and speak out for LGBTQ youth. isolating environment for any student who regularly faces verbal and/or physical attacks.

How did Spirit Day get How can I participate? How to stand up against • Know that all people, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, started? 1. Wear purple on October 17 anti-LGBTQ bullying should be treated with dignity Spirit Day was started in 2010 by high 2. Download a kit for how you can • Know that everyone has the right and respect. school student Brittany McMillan as a way organize for Spirit Day in your to feel safe. • If someone you know displays to show support for LGBTQ youth and take community • Respond to anti-LGBTQ thoughts of suicide or other a stand against bullying. With GLAAD’s language and behavior. When self-harm, notify a teacher or help, millions of teachers, workplaces, media 3. Visit glaad.org/spiritday in October to you hear homophobic comments and administrator right away and personalities and students wore purple, a turn your and profile jokes, even when not directed at a call the Trevor Project Lifeline color that symbolizes spirit on the rainbow pics purple specific individual, let the person(s) at: 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) flag created by Gilbert Baker 4. Tweet your Spirit Day pics to @glaad! making the comments know you find to speak with a trained volunteer in 1978. And if you’re on Flickr, add your pics them offensive. counselor. There are people standing On October 17, 2019, millions will wear to this group: flickr.com/groups/ by ready to talk to you. The Trevor purple on Spirit Day in a stand against spiritday • If you see anti-LGBTQ bullying, let the Project’s website has many great perpetrator know their behavior bullying and in support of lesbian, gay, 5. Help promote by downloading a resources that allow you to learn from is wrong and harmful. If the situation bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) graphic for your blog or website: the experiences of others and connect is such in which you do not feel safe youth. GLAAD is once again leading glaad.org/spiritday?share with other LGBTQ kids like you. outreach to engage the participation of intervening, alert a teacher or individuals, celebrities, corporations, media administrator immediately. outlets, schools, local communities and even • If you know someone has experienced national landmarks. anti-LGBTQ bullying, let them know Past participants include the hosts of Good you are on their side and make an Morning America, The Today Show, The effort to spend time with the person at View, and The Talk; celebrities like Britney school. Spears, Ellen Degeneres, Demi Lovato, • Reflect on your own prejudices, Laverne Cox, and Ricky Martin; media and work on eliminating outlets like MTV, NBCUniversal, HBO, and from your own words and E!; corporations including Facebook, and actions. PepsiCo, and Disney; and national landmarks like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the New York Stock Exchange. LGBTQ youth also saw support from hosts of CNBC, The Today Show, The View, as well as hosts of news programs on Bravo, MSNBC, and NBC. Check out all of the participating companies, celebrities, organizations and media outlets! Wearing purple on Spirit Day is a simple way to show the world that you stand by these courageous young people and a simple way to stand up to the bullies.

4 If someone you know displays thoughts of suicide or other self-harm, call the Trevor Project Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) to speak with a trained volunteer counselor. If someone you know displays thoughts of suicide or other self-harm, call the Trevor Project Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) to speak with a trained volunteer counselor. 5 Anti-Bullying Resource Kit For Students glaad.org/spiritday

Where can I find How can I be an anti-bullying ally online? i resources? tips for speaking out for equality through online media • The Gay, Lesbian, Straight of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP). With the advent of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Education Network (GLSEN) Through public education, training and Snapchat, Tumblr and YouTube, we are more connected to one another strives to assure that each member local programs, this group addresses than ever before. Social media sites also afford users with an opportunity of every school community is valued the pervasive problem of violence and respected regardless of sexual committed against and within the to share information, opinions and comments– some which can be hurtful orientation or gender identity/ LGBTQ community. or inflammatory. expression. GLSEN offers several • The resources, including a Jump-Start Guide • You don’t have to identify as LGBTQ to (HRC) advocates on behalf of LGBTQ for Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) and be offended by anti-LGBTQ comments. Americans, mobilizes grassroots The Safe Space Kits, among others. Let those making these comments actions in diverse communities, invests know their behavior is harmful Project was created • The American Federation of strategically to elect fair-minded and offensive to anyone who thinks it’s to show young LGBTQ Teachers (AFT) is committed to individuals to office and educates wrong to target a group of people because people that they are promoting safe and healthy learning the public about LGBTQ issues. For of who they are. If necessary, report the valued, and though environments, and has a number of information about LGBTQ-inclusive offending user to the host website. circumstances resources available on their website legislation in your area, visit www.hrc. including a list of anti-bullying laws by org. • Delete any anti-LGBTQ comments may seem hopeless at state. others might post to your online profiles, times, it can and does • COLAGE is a national movement even if those comments are intended as get better. By posting • PACER’s National Bullying of children, youth, and adults with “jokes.” messages of positivity and Prevention Center offers several one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, acceptance on YouTube, resources for students, including a transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) • Be proactive and share articles, Student Action Plan Against Bullying. parent/s. For more information on how stories and/or news segments that millions of Americans PACER’s Teens Against Bullying website to support your LGBTQ parent, visit highlight the challenges facing LGBTQ have taken a stand for also offers interactive videos that help www.colage.org people, and which send a positive message LGBTQ youth with stories youth stand up and speak out against • C enterLink, the American Civil in support of equality. of hope and resilience. bullying. Liberties Union, and Lambda • Join, follow or like online LGBTQ- To date, the project has • To find out more about campus hate Legal provide helpful information on affirming groups and organizations like crimes and university anti-violence and the LGBTQ community’s legal options GLAAD, GLSEN and GSA Networks, and received submissions from crime prevention programs, check out and hurdles. CenterLink unites LGBTQ share information about their work with celebrities, organizations, Stop the Hate. centers in all different states. The your network. advocates, politicians ACLU’s website has an entire section • Sometimes rejection and peer pressure and media personalities, on LGBTQ equality, and Lambda in combination with other factors including President Barack Legal’s page is geared towards teens. may lead to thoughts of suicide. The Obama, Secretary of Trevor Project offers a 24-hour • Visit CampusPride.org to check out State Hillary Clinton, helpline for LGBTQ and questioning all their resources for college students Rep. , Adam teens: toll free (866) 4-U-TREVOR (866- and to find LGBTQ-friendly campuses Lambert, Anne Hathaway, 488-7386). across the country. To find out if your Colin Farrell, Matthew • If you see LGBTQ people being college already has a professionally- Morrison of “Glee”, Joe misrepresented in the media, contact run LGBTQ center, use LGBTQcampus. Jonas, Joel Madden, org’s “Find a Center” tool. GLAAD. Ke$ha, Sarah Silverman, • LGBTQ people are often harassed and • For explanations of how to get your Tim Gunn, Ellen some are physically hurt or worse just school involved as a partner, ways DeGeneres, Suze Orman, for being who they are. If someone to raise awareness in your school, the staffs of The Gap, in your life has been a victim of a suggestions for events, statistics, and , Facebook, Pixar, hate crime, contact the police first, more, see the . the Broadway community, and then turn to a local chapter of and many more. the Anti-Violence Project (AVP) for additional assistance. To find an Anti-Violence Project chapter in your www.itgetsbetter.org area, check out the National Coalition

6 If someone you know displays thoughts of suicide or other self-harm, call the Trevor Project Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) to speak with a trained volunteer counselor. If someone you know displays thoughts of suicide or other self-harm, call the Trevor Project Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) to speak with a trained volunteer counselor. 7 Anti-Bullying Resource Kit For Students glaad.org/spiritday

How can I stay safe How can I share on social media? LGBTQ stories? tips for reporting anti-LGBTQ cyberbullies tips for student journalists and newspaper staff

Bullying isn’t limited to harassment in the classroom, the hallways or the As a student journalist or member of your school’s newspaper staff, you locker room. Countless teens and young adults are bullied online each and have a unique opportunity to help your peers understand the challenges every day – a phenomenon known as ‘cyberbullying.’ that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth face In 2010, GLAAD and Facebook teamed up to address anti-LGBTQ today and/or raise awareness of the accomplishments and contributions (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) cyberbullying, working of LGBTQ individuals throughout history. to make the internet a safer place for everyone. Together with GLSEN, Whether writing a newspaper article, submitting a Letter to the Editor or HRC, PFLAG, the Trevor Project and MTV’s A Thin Line Campaign, GLAAD producing a segment for your school’s television news channel, you have and Facebook launched the Network of Support to more effectively a chance to share stories that change hearts and minds. But it’s important address issues faced by the LGBTQ community while online. Below are to keep in mind that accuracy and fairness are key to presenting articles tips on how to report harassment online and help put an end to anti- or segments that responsibly portray LGBTQ lives and issues. LGBTQ cyberbullying: GLAAD’s Media Reference Guide is intended to be used by journalists Stop Bullying: Speak reporting for mainstream media outlets and by creators in entertainment Up is a multi-media • Report harassment: Facebook is in danger of self-harm. Visit the has report links throughout the site, on Trevor Project’s website for information media who want to tell LGBTQ people’s stories fairly and accurately. It campaign designed to virtually every page, and all reports about warning signs, or call the Trevor is not intended to be an all-inclusive glossary of language used within educate parents, teachers are anonymous. Facebook relies on Lifeline at (866) 4-U-TREVOR (866- and youth about the the LGBTQ community, nor is it a prescriptive guide for LGBTQ people: everyone who uses the site to be an 488- 7386) immediately if you need https://www.glaad.org/reference actions that will help extra set of eyes and ears and to report support. Trained volunteer counselors protect young people from content that may violate user policies. are ready to talk to you 24/7 and all calls are free and confidential. the impact of bullying. • Block bullies: When you use the Story Ideas Significant Dates “Block” feature on Facebook, any ties • Know you’re never alone: The facebook.com/ you currently have with the person Network of Support is comprised • Profile leaders from your school’s • January: No-Name Calling Week stopbullyingspeakup you’ve blocked will be broken, and of people and organizations that Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). If (week fluctuates) they won’t be able to see your profile understand the unique challenges that your school doesn’t have a GSA, write • March: Women’s History Month an article explaining the benefits of or contact you. You can block people LGBTQ teens face and have tons of • April: National Day of Silence (day fluctuates) by clicking on the Account link and ideas, resources and stories of hope a safe space for LGBTQ and allied then selecting Privacy settings where for you to tap into. Visit the Network students. • June: LGBTQ Pride Month • June 28: Anniversary of the Stonewall you’ll see Block Lists at the bottom, of Support Facebook page for more • Did you know October is LGBTQ Riots or by clicking the ‘Block’ link at the information about the organizations History Month? Profile a noted bottom of any profile. working to make the internet a safer LGBTQ leader, such as , • September: National Suicide place for everyone. • Stick up for others: Don’t let Ellen DeGeneres or someone in your Prevention Week (week fluctuates) anyone you know be victimized by own community. Or, write an article • September: Bi Week (week fluctuates) ignorance. Reach out and offer a word detailing the significance of events • September 23: Celebrate of support, and remember to report the such as the , the repeal Day bully to Facebook. of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ or about LGBTQ-inclusive legislation in your • October: LGBTQ History Month, • Think twice before posting: It’s community. National AIDS Awareness Month also important to be aware of how • October 11: National Day your own behavior can harm others, • Does your school welcome same-sex even unintentionally. Before you post couples at school dances? Why or • October 17: Spirit Day a comment or a photo that you think is why not? • October 26: Intersex Awareness Day funny, ask yourself if it could embarrass • November 20: Transgender Day of or hurt someone. If in doubt, don’t post • Does your school have anti-bullying Remembrance it. measures in place which protect students based on sexual orientation • December 1: World AIDS Day • Get help if you feel and ? Why or why overwhelmed: Facebook has not? relationships with organizations that can help if you or someone you know

8 If someone you know displays thoughts of suicide or other self-harm, call the Trevor Project Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) to speak with a trained volunteer counselor. If someone you know displays thoughts of suicide or other self-harm, call the Trevor Project Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) to speak with a trained volunteer counselor. 9 Anti-Bullying Resource Kit For Students glaad.org/spiritday

How can I promote transgender equality?

Transgender people often face discrimination and hostility from their families, friends and coworkers. These harsh reactions usually stem from fear and a basic misunderstanding of the transgender community. By being an ally and showing your support of transgender people, you are doing your part to help end ignorance surrounding transgender issues. The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) has a list of 52 Things You Can Do For Transgender Equality. Here are some ideas for students that can help build equality:

1. If you know transgender students in 8. Plan or attend a Day of your school, community, or in your Remembrance Event every after-school activities, make an November 20. This is a yearly The National Center effort to get to know them. opportunity to remember those lost for Transgender to hate-motivated violence directed Equality is a 2. Ask your local or school library to towards the transgender community, national social justice carry books that deal positively with and also a time to encourage people to organization devoted to transgender people and youth. take action to make the world safer. SUGGESTED POST ending discrimination Take a stand against bullying and support and violence against 3. Make sure that transgender people 9. Start or attend a transgender transgender people are welcome to join your sports support or education group at #LGBTQ youth by going purple for #SpiritDay through education and teams, after-school activities, and clubs. your school. These groups are often a vital way that transgender people on Oct. 17: glaad.org/spiritday advocacy on national 4. Hold a fundraiser, like a bake sale connect with one another. issues of importance to or a walk, and donate proceeds to an transgender people. organization that provides support for 10. Start a conversation about gender- transgender people. related books or gender issues that are transequality.org important to you. @TransEquality 5. Find out if your town or state has transgender-inclusive non- 11. Encourage fair, accurate and discrimination ordinances and inclusive media coverage of share what you find out with your transgender issues in your school friends and family. About 43% of U.S. newspaper. Many people learn about population lives in a jurisdiction with transgender people from watching explicit laws that ban employment television or reading stories in the discrimination based on gender identity newspaper. GLAAD encourages and expression. journalists to use its Media Reference Guide when writing about transgender 6. Advocate for school policy that issues. If you see transgender people supports and protects transgender being misrepresented in the media, students. (To see a model non- contact us at glaad.org. discrimination policy, click here.)

7. Submit a story idea to your school paper about the transgender community. This is an effective way to express opinions and distribute information on transgender issues from a variety of voices.

10 If someone you know displays thoughts of suicide or other self-harm, call the Trevor Project Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) to speak with a trained volunteer counselor. If someone you know displays thoughts of suicide or other self-harm, call the Trevor Project Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) to speak with a trained volunteer counselor. 11 Anti-Bullying Resource Kit For Students

GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.

glaad.org facebook.com/glaad @glaad

12 If someone you know displays thoughts of suicide or other self-harm, call the Trevor Project Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) to speak with a trained volunteer counselor.