Our mission: To advocate for the needs, development, and visibility of LGBTQIA2+ young people and the adults meant to support them.
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. Services provided include:
Meetings are held monthly over Teams.
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.
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.
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 [email protected]
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.
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, 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 become healthy and vibrant members of our community.
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.
At Inside Out Youth Services, we are dedicated to providing quality programs and services to LGBTQIA2+ youth in Colorado Springs and the surrounding counties. Our wide range of offerings includes support groups, mentoring opportunities, educational workshops, and social activities, designed to meet the unique needs of LGBTQIA2+ youth and young adults at all stages of their journey.
At Inside Out Youth Services, we are dedicated to providing quality programs and services to LGBTQIA2+ youth in Colorado Springs and the surrounding counties. Our wide range of offerings includes support groups, mentoring opportunities, educational workshops, and social activities, designed to meet the unique needs of LGBTQIA2+ youth and young adults at all stages of their journey.
719-328-1056
223 N Wahsatch Ave, Suite 101
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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