Quick answer: You can support LGBTQ+ youth in health class by using inclusive language and examples, teaching accurate, evidence-based information that applies to everyone, protecting privacy, responding to bullying, and sharing affirming resources. Research shows it matters: in states where more schools taught LGBTQ-inclusive health education, students overall had lower odds of suicidal thoughts and plans (Proulx et al., 2019). Yet only 7.4% of LGBTQ+ students in a national survey reported inclusive lessons (GLSEN, 2021).
Every student deserves health information that reflects their life. For many LGBTQ+ students, health class is one of the few places they could get accurate information, and one of the places they most often feel left out. Here’s what the research says and what educators and families can do.
Why inclusive health education matters
Most LGBTQ+ students don’t see themselves in lessons
In GLSEN’s 2021 National School Climate Survey, only 7.4% of LGBTQ+ students said their sex education positively included both LGB and transgender and nonbinary topics (GLSEN, 2021). When lessons leave students out, they may turn to unreliable online sources.
Inclusive lessons are linked to better outcomes for everyone
A study in the Journal of Adolescent Health compared states with different levels of LGBTQ-inclusive health education. In states where more schools offered inclusive content, all students, not only LGBTQ+ students, had lower odds of suicidal thoughts (adjusted odds ratio 0.91) and suicide plans (0.79) (Proulx et al., 2019). Inclusive classrooms appear to make schools safer for the whole student body.
Affirming environments make a difference
The Trevor Project’s 2024 national survey of more than 18,000 LGBTQ+ young people found that 39% seriously considered suicide in the past year. Young people who lived in very accepting communities reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those in very unaccepting communities, and transgender and nonbinary youth whose schools were gender-affirming reported lower rates of attempts (The Trevor Project, 2024).
National standards agree: the National Sex Education Standards call for instruction that is inclusive of all students, including LGBTQ+ youth (NSES, 2020).
Seven ways educators can support LGBTQ+ students
1. Use inclusive language
Say “partners” or “people” instead of assuming relationships are always between a boy and a girl. When discussing anatomy, use precise terms like “people with a uterus” alongside “girls and women” where appropriate, following your district’s guidelines.
2. Include diverse examples
Use names, scenarios and families that reflect a range of identities. A relationship scenario featuring two students of the same gender quietly tells LGBTQ+ students they belong.
3. Teach information that applies to everyone
STI prevention, consent, healthy relationships and accessing health care matter to every student. Make sure lessons don’t assume one type of relationship or body.
4. Protect privacy
Never out a student. Let students share their names and pronouns on their own terms, and follow your school’s privacy policies.
5. Respond to bullying immediately
Address slurs and harassment every time. Silence can signal acceptance. A calm, consistent response (“We don’t use that word here. It’s hurtful.”) sets expectations.
6. Be a visible, trusted adult
Many schools have staff who display a safe space sign or advise a student club. Knowing even one supportive adult can make a difference.
7. Share affirming resources
Post crisis and support lines in your classroom, and make sure students know where to get help (see below).
Help every student feel seen
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A quick checklist for an inclusive lesson
Before you teach, run through these questions:
- Examples: Do my scenarios and images reflect a range of families, identities and relationships?
- Language: Am I using terms that include everyone, without assuming every student is the same?
- Content: Does the information apply to all students, including those whose experiences differ from the textbook’s?
- Resources: Have I shared support resources every student can use?
- Questions: Is there an anonymous way for students to ask what they don’t want to ask out loud?
- Policy: Have I checked my district’s guidelines and shared materials with families when required?
- Follow-up: Do students know which adults they can talk to after class?
You don’t need to get everything perfect. Small, consistent choices add up. Many educators start by updating one lesson’s scenarios and adding a resource list, then build from there. Ask students for anonymous feedback at the end of a unit; they’ll tell you what helped and what felt left out.
How parents and caregivers can help
- Listen first. If your child shares their identity, thank them for trusting you.
- Use their name and pronouns.
- Learn together. Ask what support they want, and look up trusted resources.
- Advocate. Ask your school how health lessons include all students.
- Keep talking. Use the same open approach we recommend in My Kid Asked Me About Sex and How to Talk to Your Kids About Puberty.
Answering common questions from colleagues
“Isn’t this a distraction from core health content?” No. Inclusive teaching is a way of teaching core content so it reaches every student.
“What if families have concerns?” Share materials in advance, explain how inclusion supports student safety, and follow your district’s notification and opt-out policies.
“I’m worried I’ll say the wrong thing.” That’s normal. If you make a mistake, apologize briefly, correct it and move on. Training helps; see the educator training on our programs page.
Where LGBTQ+ young people can get support
- The Trevor Project: call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat online, 24/7 (The Trevor Project).
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988.
- 911 in an emergency.
How Dr Sex Ed helps
Our classroom programs, including Know Your Body, Know Your Rights for grades 9–12, are inclusive of all students and cover gender identity and accessing health care. Learn more in Sex Ed for Everyone, browse our programs and resources, or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
How can teachers support LGBTQ+ students in health class?
Use inclusive language and examples, teach information that applies to everyone, protect student privacy, respond to bullying every time, and share affirming support resources.
What is LGBTQ-inclusive health education?
It’s health education that includes LGBTQ+ people in examples, information and resources, so every student gets accurate information relevant to their life.
Does inclusive health education help all students?
Research suggests it does. A 2019 study found that in states where more schools offered LGBTQ-inclusive content, students overall had lower odds of suicidal thoughts and plans.
How many LGBTQ+ students receive inclusive lessons?
In GLSEN’s 2021 national survey, only 7.4% of LGBTQ+ students reported sex education that positively included both LGB and transgender and nonbinary topics.
Where can LGBTQ+ young people get support?
The Trevor Project offers 24/7 support by phone at 1-866-488-7386, by text (START to 678-678) and by chat. Anyone can call or text 988 in a crisis.
What does LGBTQ+ stand for?
LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning, with the plus sign including other identities such as nonbinary people.
Sources
- Proulx CN, Coulter RWS, Egan JE, Matthews DD, Mair C. Associations of LGBTQ-Inclusive Sex Education With Mental Health Outcomes and School-Based Victimization in U.S. High School Students. J Adolesc Health. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.11.012
- GLSEN. The 2021 National School Climate Survey. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED625378.pdf
- The Trevor Project. 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2024/
- Future of Sex Education. National Sex Education Standards, 2nd ed. 2020. https://siecus.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/NSES-2020-2.pdf
- The Trevor Project. Get Help. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/