Our mission: To advocate for the needs, development, and visibility of LGBTQIA2+ young people and the adults meant to support them.
We meet virtually on the 4th Monday of the month from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Sign up to get invited to the meetings!
To learn more about these projects, or express interest in participating, please contact us via email.
The coalition is made up of students, parents, educators, administrators, and advocates, who collaborate to make schools safer for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity or gender expression.
We conduct policy consultation and offer recommendations to schools and communities, based on best-practices and proven protective factors for LGBTQIA2+ and other marginalized youth. Learn more about our policy priorities and what we do below.
When students are affirmed at home, at school, and in their clubs and communities, their mental health is proven to improve. That’s why every action we take as a coalition is meant to increase safety and affirmation, and reduce harm.
As attacks on trans, gender-nonconforming, and intersex students are on the rise, we endeavor to educate our community on how to take action to oppose harmful policy. For previous examples, see advocacy guides from D11 and D49, created in 2025.
All-gender restrooms can increase safety and allows access to everyone regardless of their gender identity or gender expression. They can be single or multi-stall restrooms. All-gender restrooms benefit many people, including parents with children of a different gender, people who require assistance and have a caregiver of another gender and gender-diverse people.
If your school, business, building, or community is interested in providing all-gender restrooms, we can advise.
GSA clubs are student-led, uniting LGBTQIA2+ youth and allies to organize a community of support and advocate against issues of inequality in schools and communities. GSAs were initially used as safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and have since become an avenue of social change. GSA clubs can serve as a protective factor against harassment and violence for all students. Federal law protects students’ rights to have a GSA club in their school. If a school has non-curricular clubs in place (e.g., chess club), then students have a protected right to a GSA as well.
Looking to start a GSA, or need resources to help maintain or facilitate your GSA? Contact us at schools@insideoutys.org
Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is a medically accurate curriculum supported by leading nonpartisan medical and public health professional organizations. Evidence suggests that CSE covering both abstinence and safer-sex contraceptive products and techniques help young people prevent unwanted pregnancies and STIs, engage in healthy relationships, and delay the age at which they become sexually active.
We offer trainings in CSE laws and best practices, and can consult on sexual health education for LGBTQIA2+ youth.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. among people ages 10-24. In Colorado, suicide is the leading cause of death for youth and young adults. School, local, city, and state policy have all been shown to have an impact on LGBTQIA2+ students’ risks of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. We approach suicide prevention work through the following pillars: connectedness, economic stability and access to safer suicide care.
We serve on the steering committee for the Suicide Prevention Collaborative of El Paso County, and the Colorado Suicide Prevention Commission.
A student’s freedom of expression encompasses the way they dress, the name and pronouns they choose to use, and their ability to freely discuss, learn about, and express their LGBTQIA2+ identity.
We advocate for and with students to make it easier and safer to go by their chosen name and pronouns, to retain their right to display pride flags, and to dress in accordance with their gender identity.
Hot Spot mapping is an evidence-informed process where we ask young people to tell us where they feel safe, where they feel unsafe and why. We then use that information to advocate for real changes that can create safer schools, communities, and neighborhoods. Mapping is primarily focused on youth participation; however, parents and school personnel can participate as well. Get help with hot spot mapping.
and promotes the acceptance of intersectionality.
and valued.
that a safe social space would be valuable to them.
people often face barriers when trying to access restroom facilities and locker rooms, including harassment, humiliation, denial of access, and physical violence.
higher risk than their heterosexual and cisgender peers of suicide and victimization to violence and are in need of safe spaces to live healthy, thriving lives.
Additional information on hot spot mapping, gender sexuality alliances, suicide prevention, LGBTQIA2+ and parent support resources.
To get connected with the Safe @ Schools Coalition, please contact us. We look forward to collaborating with you.
