Historic Summit to Protect LGBTQ Students Hosted by L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and L.A. Unified School District

The collaboration, dubbed Project SPIN (Suicide Prevention Intervention Now), was initiated by the Center following last year's horrible rash of LGBT youth suicides.  

"The time is now for an extraordinary effort to stop even the thought of suicide among LGBT youth," says Center CEO Lorri L. Jean. "We simply cannot afford the loss of even one more young life to bullying, exclusion or anti-LGBT discrimination. This historic collaboration will pave a life-saving path for LGBT and questioning youth who have been victims of ignorance and bigotry and thought about taking their lives. Together, we'll build a community where all youth feel safe, respected and loved, both in and out of the classroom."

The 2009 National School Climate Survey conducted by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) concluded that nearly 9 out of 10 LGBTQ middle and high school students experienced harassment at school in the past year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 12-18.

"Our students must feel safe and affirmed to reach their full potential—in LAUSD, in their families and neighborhoods," says LAUSD Board President Monica Garcia. "Today, we challenge ourselves to partner, learn and create a pathway to end suicidal ideation for LGBTQ students."

Summit organizers from the Center and LAUSD will now compile a final report and recommendations before submitting a proposed plan of action to LAUSD. Additionally, a community council will be convened to ensure a high level of community involvement and to help build a support network for LGBTQ students and their schools. Working groups of the council will focus on the following areas: community assets, mental health, curriculum development and research and evaluation.

Community partners that participated in the summit included The Trevor Project, GSA Network, Project 10, GLIDE, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Services, the Los Angeles Police Department, Services Center for Independent Living, and Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

About the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center

Since 1971 the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center has been building the health, advocating for the rights and enriching the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Our wide array of services and programs includes: free HIV/AIDS care and medications for those most in need; housing, food, clothing and support for homeless LGBT youth; low-cost counseling and addiction-recovery services; essential services for LGBT-parented families and seniors; legal services; health education and HIV prevention programs; transgender services; cultural arts and much more. Visit us on the Web at: http://www.lagaycenter.org/.