Mental health experts share effective programs to foster inclusivity for LGBTQ+ students in school

When Nisha Patel's son Aarav was five, he loved playing with his action figures. In a hyper-real scenario, Batman would fight off the villains to rescue Iron Man. After saving Iron Man, the duo would go on to raise a baby superhero together. At that age, my son was not aware of traditional gender roles or how a family functions, and I decided not to bind him with conventions,' Nisha tells Midday.

She continues, "For him, they were just like partners taking care of an infant." However, Aarav's acceptance of a wider gender spectrum and his belief that same-sex individuals can be a family and share responsibilities is refreshing. Mental health experts credit these values to parents; stressing that schools play a crucial role in fostering this acceptance and understanding of queer folks.

Yet, with a lack of inclusivity and social stigma surrounding the LGBTQ+ community - cases of violence have risen in school premises. In Thane, a 17-year-old teen attempted to end his life (2016) by jumping off a skywalk, upon being called gay.

In a similar instance, a 25-year-old MBA graduate killed himself (2019) in his flat at Saki Vihar Road after being taunted as ‘gay.' With such incidents coming to light, the need to instill LGBTQ+ sensitivity in children becomes crucial. With pride month coming to an end, we dialed up mental health experts who lay out guidelines to develop effective strategies fostering inclusivity for queer folks right at school.

Effective programs to foster inclusivity for LGBTQ+ students in school:
Teachers, parents and students are the key stakeholders in school. "Involving them in creating a more accepting environment for LGBTQ+ students can make a big difference," remarks Juhi Pandey, a psychologist working for Mumbai-based education venture, Mpower.

Dr Mamta Mohapatra, Professor at International Management Institute, New Delhi outlines that an inclusive environment can be fostered for LGBTQ+ students through several key policies and programs. She recommends implementing and enforcing strict anti-discrimination policies to protect LGBTQ+ students from bullying and harassment. Other measures suggested:

1. Integrating LGBTQ+ topics into the curriculum promotes understanding and acceptance.
2. Establishing support groups and safe spaces allows LGBTQ+ students to connect and receive counselling.
3. Providing training for staff and students on LGBTQ+ issues and sensitivity is crucial.
4. Offering gender-neutral restrooms and changing facilities ensures comfort and safety.
5. Promoting the use of inclusive language and pronouns throughout the school environment fosters respect and belonging.
6. Schools can also adopt ‘Gender-Neutral' programs to promote diversity. An example of this is Program Rainbow. Just as all the colours of the rainbow come together to form white light, students can be taught that despite our different choices, orientations, likings and sexualities, we are all part of a single human race.

Programs with inclusive messages like this are essential for spreading awareness and fostering acceptance. Another effective strategy is to organise workshops and informational sessions that educate parents about LGBTQ+ issues, the importance of inclusivity and ways to support their children.

These sessions can provide a safe space for parents to ask questions, share concerns and learn from experts and LGBTQ+ individuals about the challenges and experiences faced by the community. Open dialogues can help bridge knowledge gaps and create a supportive environment that extends beyond the classroom.

In addition to educational workshops, schools can engage the wider community through events and initiatives that celebrate diversity. Hosting community-wide events such as Pride Month celebrations, inclusive sports days, and cultural festivals can bring together students, parents and community members to celebrate and learn about queer identities. Schools can also partner with local LGBTQ+ organisations to provide resources, training and support for both students and families.

3 doable ways to make the curriculum more inclusive:
To make the curriculum more inclusive of LGBTQ+ issues, Mohapatra shares the following strategies:

Integrate LGBTQ+ topics across subjects
Incorporate discussions and materials related to LGBTQ+ history, literature and contributions across various subjects. For example, include LGBTQ+ figures in history lessons analyse LGBTQ+ themes in literature classes and discuss the social and scientific aspects of LGBTQ+ issues in social studies and science classes.

Develop inclusive reading lists
Include books and resources that feature LGBTQ+ characters and narratives. Select diverse texts that highlight different experiences and perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community, allowing students to see themselves reflected and to understand others' experiences.

Create projects and assignments on LGBTQ+ issues
Design assignments and projects that encourage students to explore LGBTQ+ topics. This can include research projects on LGBTQ+ history and rights, creative writing assignments from diverse perspectives and presentations on current LGBTQ+ issues and their impact on society. These activities promote awareness, empathy, and critical thinking.

How inclusive schools affect queer students:
Because of the stigma and discrimination these students frequently face, they are more likely to experience anxiety, loneliness and thoughts of suicide. When schools actively promote inclusion in the community, LGBTQ+ students are much less likely to experience mental health problems.

Dr Poonam Poonia, a clinical psychologist at Cloudnine Hospital, shares how the mental health of queer students can benefit from schools with active inclusion policies:

1. Students who identify as LGBTQ+ and who attend such schools are more likely to form positive peer interactions and face less harassment and bullying. Also, their social skills and networks are improved and social isolation is decreased.

2. Queer students who feel accepted are more likely to take up academic challenges, participate in class and take an active role in their education. They can concentrate more on their academics since they are not as distracted by worries about social rejection.

3. When schools actively promote LGBTQ+ students, they are more likely to grow in confidence and self-worth. This positive self-view is important for their overall psychological resilience and can protect against the internalisation of negative societal attitudes.

Training school staff to address in-house discrimination
Educators and school staff can be trained to effectively support LGBTQ+ students and address issues of stigma through comprehensive professional development programs. These programs should include training sessions that educate staff on LGBTQ+ identities, terminology and the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students, informs Poonia.

Mohapatra suggests that role-playing scenarios can help teachers develop empathy and understanding. Training should also cover the importance of inclusive language, recognising signs of distress, and effective intervention strategies. Collaboration with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups can provide valuable insights and resources.

Workshops led by experts and LGBTQ+ individuals can be helpful in developing best practices for creating inclusive and supportive classroom environments. Additionally, educators can learn about the legal protections for LGBTQ+ students and the appropriate steps to take when witnessing or addressing incidents of discrimination or bullying. Ongoing training ensures that staff remain informed about evolving issues and effective strategies for support.

Moreover, schools can implement mentorship and ally programs to foster a culture of inclusion and support. Staff members can be trained as designated allies or mentors for LGBTQ+ students, offering a safe and understanding point of contact for those seeking guidance or experiencing difficulties. Regularly scheduled meetings and support groups can also be established to provide a platform for LGBTQ+ students to voice their concerns and receive support.

Integrating mental health support groups in schools
Mental health services offer a safe and supportive environment where students who identify as LGBTQ+ can freely share their thoughts and emotions without worrying about being judged. Also, they can assist queer children in navigating the challenges associated with coming out to family, friends or teachers.

Schools can take the following steps:
1. Schools should develop clear non-discrimination rules that specifically shield LGBTQ+ students from harassment and discrimination.
2. Educate school counselors and staff in-depth about LGBTQ+ issues.
3. Create LGBTQ+ support groups so that students can interact with others who have gone through similar things.
4. Collaborate with neighborhood associations, health facilities, or LGBTQ+ advocacy groups to offer students more assistance.
5. Plan events and educational activities that raise awareness of LGBTQ+ identities across the academic year.

Pandey adds, "Having a trained LGBTQ+ counsellor in schools provides a safe space for students to discuss their problems and challenges. Empowering LGBTQ+ students through positive representation in the school curriculum and programs designed to address issues like low self-esteem, self-image and building resilience, can be very effective."