LGBTQ2SIA+ Supports

LGBTQ2SIA+ students, families, staff, and community partners are vital members of the Portland Public Schools community. Our commitment to this community continues to expand as we grow in our understanding of the unique needs and challenges facing the LGBTQ2SIA+ community. This webpage is just a starting point for finding information regarding rights, services available within PPS and the Portland metro area, and basic educational resources.

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Spotlight!

Apply NOW ODE LGBTQ2SIA+ Advisory Group in white letters on rainbow background

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is currently seeking applicants for its LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Advisory Group. We have extended the application deadline through July 6th, 2022 at 11:59pm in order to support additional interest and outreach.

This group advises ODE on education matters affecting LGBTQ2SIA+ students and families, and its purpose is to address systemic inequities experienced by LGBTQ2SIA+ students through focused investments and community partnerships that align with the LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Plan.

Who is eligible to serve on the Advisory Group?

According to ORS 329.847, the advisory group must include:

Individuals who identify as LGBTQ2SIA+;
Students* who identify as LGBTQ2SIA+;
Representatives of community-based organizations that serve LGBTQ2SIA+ communities; or
Education stakeholders, including representatives of the Early Learning Division, the Youth Development Division, and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.

Additionally, the department will be considering other intersectional identities and roles of applicants to ensure equitable and diverse representation of LGBTQ2SIA+ communities in the Advisory Group.

*Update: Students May Co-Apply with Trusted Adult

In order to increase safety and connection with student advisory group members, we are offering students the option to co-apply with a trusted adult of their choice such as a school staff member, parent or caregiver, or community-based educator who also has experience in supporting LGBTQ2SIA+ affirming communities. Both the student and their trusted adult should fill out the full letter of interest/application (linked below) and submit, indicating within the application they are applying together. Students are not required to apply with an adult, but have the option to if they wish.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining the Advisory Group, please download the letter of interest word doc or pdf, fill it out, and submit to the LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Coordinator at LGBTQ2SIA.success@ode.oregon.gov. All application materials and information can also be found on the LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Advisory Group Page. In addition, we ask you to share this invitation broadly with LGBTQ2SIA+ serving organizations and school communities.

Letters of interest are due no later than Wednesday July 6th, 2022 by 11:59 p.m.

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The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey

The National LGBTQ Youth Mental Health survey demonstrates that rates of suicidal thoughts have trended upward among LGBTQ young people over the last three years, making our life-saving work all the more important.

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