As an HRC Youth Ambassador, I know the journey for us as LGBTQ+ students can be challenging. While some schools are becoming more inclusive, the need for support and empowerment remains crucial for our ability to thrive. I’m currently a senior in high school, and I wanted to share some ways that I’ve navigated school as a queer teen. I hope these tips will inspire confidence and resilience in you throughout the school year.

• It’s helpful for your teachers to know your name, pronouns, and any other important details, or be reminded of them. It’s never too late to email teachers or other school administrators and say a little bit about yourself. Be sure to include if you’re out to your adults and if it’s safe to use this name and pronouns with your family.

• Go shopping for a new outfit! Buying new clothes that feel good for your identity can ease anxieties about the school day. If buying clothes isn’t accessible to you, look into local clothing swaps in your area, or organize one with your friends!

• Practice introducing yourself with your name and pronouns. This can signal to everyone around you that it’s safe to share their pronouns, at least with you. It may be a little awkward if no one else shares their pronouns, and it’s worth it to help create a positive environment around you.

• Join after-school activities. Whether it’s GSA, Dnd, chess club, or sports, joining a club can be very rewarding. It can be easier to make friends when you’re joining clubs. When you’re surrounded by people who support you it’s easier to be a young queer person.

• Plan cute outfits for the week! My favorite part of school is planning and coordinating my outfits. Picking out an outfit that is comfortable physically and comfortable to your identity is a fun way to get excited to go school.

• Be proud. In every outfit, I always wear makeup or an accessory with my pride flag on it. Making pride bracelets with your friends and wearing them to school the next day is a cute and subtle way of showing your pride.

• Get involved in the community. Being an activist is the most rewarding part of my day. You could join your school's GSA, or look into volunteering with local community organizations or action groups. If you’ll be able to vote in this election, get involved using this HRC resource.

• Take time to relax. Self-care is so important. As queer youth, we have the normal stress of school and teenage things, but then the added stress of societal pressures like homophobia and transphobia. Taking a break to do an activity you like or a self-care routine is key. Remember that being a happy queer person is an act of rebellion, so go on and take a bubble bath,you activists.

• If you observe disrespectful behaviors or homophobic or transphobic words, choose how you will intervene. You might: directly address them, talk to an authority figure to address the issue, or check on the impacted person. If a friend has shared personal information with you in confidence, like a private aspect of their identity, it is important to not share that information with others without their permission. When someone makes fun of me for being gay, I always say something gayer. If you’ve corrected people or explained to them and they continue to misgender or be disrespectful, ignore them. It can be hard and annoying but it’s not worth the energy. You know who you are and that’s what’s important.

• Be yourself. I know it’s easier said than done for some, but once I accepted my identity and came out to my friends and teachers, school was a lot easier in many ways. I felt less anxious, my grades improved, and I could talk more to my peers around me. If you don’t feel safe coming out at school, that’s fine! Take whatever steps you need to feel safest and most comfortable.

Whether you embrace one or some tips from this list, remember that every way you show up to support yourself and your community is a testament to how we build a better future. Surround yourself with allies, seek out safe spaces, and never hesitate to advocate for your needs.

You matter and by sharing your experiences, you can inspire others along the way. Be safe and kind and have a great school year!