What can you do to make a positive difference?

Many in the LGBT and ally community are asking what we can do in the wake of multiple tragedies across the country. What can you do to make a positive difference?
Ask for help:
If you or someone you know is in crisis and has mentioned or is considering suicide take it seriously and get help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386. View the resource list below for how to recognize if someone is in crisis.
Be a visible ally to LGBT youth!
Although there are many factors involved when someone decides to end their own life, many of the recent stories talk about the effects of anti-LGBT bullying and bias.

1. Go to your next GSA meeting to help the GSA plan their events for the year. Find tips for starting and running a GSA at www.glsen.org/jumpstart
2. Support Ally Week, October 18-22 - Visit www.allyweek.org to learn how you can be a visible Ally to LGBT students
3. Talk about important moments and people in LGBT history - October is GLBT History Month. See videos and download information about these icons each day and find out more ways to talk about GLBT History Month in your school here.
4. Educators: Be a visible safe space - Download the Safe Space Kit and print the stickers and posters to display in your classroom.

Take Action
Even if you are not in school there are still things you can do.

1. Contact your local school or school district to let them know that you support their work against anti-LGBT bullying. See Four Steps Schools Can Take to Address Anti-LGBT Bullying and Harassment to find out what specific tips you can offer them.
2. Call your senators and representatives about the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA). Click here to learn more about SSIA and how you can support it.

Media/Social Media
If you are a Facebook or Twitter user or a member of the media, please read these media guidelines (PDF) from the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Research indicates that the way suicide is reported in the media can contribute to additional suicides and suicide attempts.
See also: GLSEN, PFLAG, The Trevor Project Release Statement on Recent Tragedies.
For further resources for Suicide Prevention click here; for anti-LGBT bullying work, please go to www.glsen.org/bullying.

for more on the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network visit  GLSEN.

-end-