Historical Background

In February 2014, the San Mateo Union High School District’s School Board approved the Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Student Ensuring Equity and Nondiscrimination policy bulletin. In an effort to address the continued implementation of this policy and address additional concerns, SMUHSD created a taskforce of administrators, counselors, teachers, and support staff to explore the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and gender expansive (LGBTQ+) students. Beginning in May of 2017, the taskforce is focused on policy, practice, and community outreach focused on continual support for students of all genders and sexualities.

Resources for Students, Teachers, and Families

Students

OUTLET - A division of Adolescent Counseling Services. San Mateo County-wide support groups and drop ins. 

The Trevor Project - Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24 

Trevor 24/hour support hotline 1-866-488-7386 

Gender Spectrum (for students) - Key tips on knowing your rights, discussing your experiences, and understanding your gender as you navigate your gender identity across multiple realms.

Families

PFLAG:  Parents, Families, Friends, LGBTQ People and Allies
United for Equality. Local support groups include San Jose/Peninsula, San Francisco, Hayward. 

Gender Spectrum (for families): A comprehensive collection of research, resources, and stories to help any parent, family member, or guardian learn more about gender diversity

Teachers

FAIR Education ACT resources: a one-stop place for lessons and resources to support teachers in making History and Social Studies a more Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful experience for all students.

GSA Network:   LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains queer, trans and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities.

GLSEN: Resources for creating safe and affirming schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Gender Spectrum (for teachers): Gender inclusive schools and classrooms welcoming all children and teens are within any school community’s reach with our education focused resources.

GLAAD:  a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change.

LGBTQ Task Force Members

Max Bernstein

Kirk Black

Alison Block

Vincent Bravo

Monique Castellon

Laura Chalkley

Wiley Clothier

Julian Martinez

Shannon Millard

Martin Ortega

Brittany Redgate

Don Scatena

Michael Silva

Jenna Smith

April Torres

Eislyn Wolf Noyes