LGBTQ+

Palm Springs Unified School District is committed to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for all students, including our LGBTQ+ youth.

Resources & Information

Self-Care

LGBTQ+ Youth Self-Care: Five Simple Steps

Affirm Who You Are

You deserve to feel safe and respected. Spend time on activities and interests that help you feel comfortable and confident in your identity.

Stay Connected to Supportive People

Healthy relationships help you feel understood and included. Reach out to friends, trusted adults, and school staff who support you.

Create Healthy Boundaries

It is okay to step away from situations that cause stress or discomfort. Setting limits protects your emotional well-being.

Care for Your Body and Mind

Get enough sleep. Eat regular meals. Stay active in ways that feel good. Try simple calming activities like deep breathing or writing down your thoughts.

Reach Out When You Need Support

You are not alone. School counselors, wellness staff, and local community organizations are available to listen and help when you need support.

Other Resource(s) for self-care:

Self-care for LGBTQ+ individuals includes nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional health through activities like exercise, mindfulness, and setting boundaries. It's also crucial to create a supportive environment, whether through a physical space, online connections, or a "chosen family". Community care, such as supporting others, is also a form of self-care.

SELF-CARE GUIDE

Understanding Gender Identity

Sex

Sex is the classification of a person as male, female, or intersex. When we are born, doctors usually decide whether female or male will be listed on our birth certificate. This sex assignment at birth is typically based solely on one’s genitals, however sex characteristics also include chromosomes, gonads, and sex hormones. Intersex is an umbrella term used to describe variations in physical sex traits or reproductive anatomy that are present at birth or emerge spontaneously later in life, and differ from normative expectations of “male” and “female.”

Someone’s sex characteristics is private information. When someone shares their gender identity with you, it is invasive and inappropriate to assume or try to deduce that person’s sex assigned at birth. Believe others when they say who they are, and support them.

Gender

Gender describes the internal experience of being a man, a woman, a nonbinary person, or otherwise. Every person experiences gender differently — and you cannot know someone’s gender by simply looking at them.

Common genders include:

Cisgender: people whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Transgender: people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Some folks might choose to receive certain gender affirming care but this is not necessary and each person should be allowed to choose what works best for themselves.
Nonbinary: an umbrella term to describe people who experience their gender identity and/or expression outside of the male/female/ man/woman binary, including folks who are genderfluid, genderqueer, polygender, bigender, demigender, agender, and many others.

Sexual Orientation

Definition of sexual orientation

a person’s sexual identity or self-identification as bisexual, heterosexual, homosexual, pansexual etc.

Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Basic Definitions: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE)

Asexual - not sexually attracted to anyone and/or no desire to act on attraction to anyone. Does not necessarily mean sexless. Asexual people sometimes do experience affectional (romantic) attraction.

Bisexual - attracted to people of one’s own gender and people of other gender(s). Two common misconceptions are that bisexual people are attracted to everyone and anyone, or that they just haven’t “decided.” Often referred to as “bi.” See also Pansexual/Fluid and Queer.

Gay - generally refers to a man who is attracted to men. Sometimes refers to all people who are attracted to people of the same sex; sometimes “homosexual” is used for this also, although this term is seen by many today as a medicalized term that should be retired from common use.

Lesbian - a woman who is attracted to women. Sometimes also or alternately “same-gender-loving woman” or “woman loving woman.” See also Gay.

Pansexual/Fluid - attracted to people regardless of gender. Sometimes also or alternately “omnisexual” or “polysexual.” See also Bisexual and Queer.

Questioning - one who may be unsure of, reconsidering, or chooses to hold off identifying their sexual identity or gender expression or identity.

Queer - traditionally a derogatory term, yet reclaimed and appropriated by some LGBTQ individuals as a term of self-identification. It is an umbrella term which embraces a matrix of sexual preferences, gender expressions, and habits that are not of the heterosexual, heteronormative, or gender-binary majority. It is not a universally accepted term by all members of the LGBT community, and it is often considered offensive when used by heterosexuals.

Straight - attracted to people of the “opposite” sex (see below); also sometimes generally used to refer to people whose sexualities are societally normative. Alternately referred to as “heterosexual.”

Be an Ally

5 Tips on how to be an active ally

Educate yourself

Start by educating yourself about the diverse experiences, challenges, and histories of the LGBTQ+ community. Read books, articles, and personal stories. Watching documentaries and shows can provide deeper insights. Attend workshops or webinars that delve into LGBTQ+ issues. Engage with LGBTQ+ activists, organizations, and community leaders. Do not rely on your LGBTQ+ friends to educate you. Understanding their struggles and triumphs will help you develop empathy and knowledge to stand as an ally.

Listen and amplify

Actively listen to the stories and experiences shared by LGBTQ+ individuals. Give them the space to express themselves without judgment. Amplify their voices by sharing their stories, art, or advocacy work on social media or within your network. Encourage others to do the same.

Use inclusive language

Familiarize yourself with inclusive terminology and various pronouns. Respect and use individuals’ pronouns and gender identities. Avoid assumptions or offensive language that might perpetuate stereotypes or invalidate their experiences. By using inclusive language, you create a more welcoming and respectful environment.

Speak out against discrimination

The LGBTQ+ community is commonly affected by discriminatory remarks, actions, or policies. Use your privilege to address and dismantle homophobic, transphobic, or biphobic attitudes. Be prepared to have difficult conversations, offering factual information and personal perspectives to counter prejudice.

Give yourself grace

Part of being a better ally is a willingness to keep learning. If you get someone’s pronouns wrong, correct them and allow yourself space to relearn. Punishing yourself for mistakes will make it harder to learn and grow.

Allyship is an ongoing process, not just a one-time gesture. It requires consistent support and effort, even after Pride Month. Allies commit to learning, growing, and challenging their own biases continuously. They recognize that their support is needed year-round, and they actively engage in creating long-lasting change.

source: https://www.mindpath.com/resource/active-ally-lgbtqia/

LGBTQ+ Padlet of Resources

Campus & Community Resources

Supporting LGBTQ+ Young People with Disabilities

Helpful Guide

A Guide to California Transgender & Gender‑Diverse Student Rights

1. Key Rights of Transgender & Gender‑Diverse Students in California

Students have the right to:

Be free from discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation (Ed Code § 220).
Use their afﬁrmed name and pronouns at school, even if they have not completed legal name changes.
Keep their gender identity private — schools cannot disclose a student’s gender identity without the student’s consent (Ed Code § 220.3).
Access restrooms, locker rooms, and programs that match their gender identity (Ed Code § 221.5(f)).
Participate fully in school activities, including sports and ﬁeld trips, consistent with their gender identity.

2. Why Schools May Not Immediately Inform Parents

Some students may not feel safe or ready to discuss their gender identity at home. California guidance requires schools to:

Prioritize student safety and well‑being.
Avoid any policy or practice that “outs” a student without consent. (Ed Code § 220.3)
Support students in identifying trusted adults who can help them navigate conversations at home when they are ready.

We strive to partner with families while also honoring student conﬁdentiality and state law.

3. How PSUSD Supports Students & Families

We work collaboratively to:

Create welcoming classrooms for all gender identities.
Provide access to counselors, wellness coaches, and social workers.
Support families with information, communication, and resources.
Develop individualized plans that honor the student and involve parents when appropriate.

If your child has expressed a desire to use a different name or pronouns, we can support a guided conversation with you and your student.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why didn’t the teacher tell me my child requested a different name?

A: California law protects student privacy in matters related to gender identity. Staff must follow district and state guidance to ensure student safety. We encourage open communication and can facilitate discussions.