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Letter to the Editor: Safe-School Suggestions for LGBTQ+ Students

The League of Women Voters of Door County recently hosted a community event about the health and well-being of Door County youth during which a panel presented the results of the most recent Door County Youth Risk Behavior Survey and discussed the programming available in the county that focuses on mental health and healthier lifestyles. Panelists included professionals from Public Health, United Way, County Diversion Programs and Door County Medical Center. To watch the recording, visit youtube.com/@lwvdoorcounty

PFLAG Door County’s concern is that in all areas, LGBT students reported much higher rates than heterosexual students of being bullied and of experiencing anxiety, depression and suicide, so we asked our local school administrators what they were doing about it.

Sturgeon Bay responded promptly and with many details specific to LGBT students. Sturgeon Bay has also been an active participant in the community-wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for the past year. Sevastopol responded only with the programming that it provides to all students, not specifically LGBT students. Gibraltar and Southern Door have not responded as of this date, although the Gibraltar School Board was considering some reasonable policies during its April 24 meeting, which will be on the May 8 agenda.

PFLAG is an organization of LGBTQ+ people, parents, families and allies who work together to create an equitable and inclusive world. We have safe-school suggestions, and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction provides information for schools on how to support LGBT students at dpi.wi.gov/sspw/safe-schools/lgbt.

PFLAG represents hundreds of thousands of people, and hundreds of chapters from coast to coast, that are leading with love to support families, educate allies and advocate for just, equitable and inclusive legislation and policies. Since our founding in 1973, PFLAG works every day to ensure that LGBTQ+ people everywhere are safe, celebrated, empowered and loved. Learn more at pflagdoorcounty.org. We need allies to help educate others.

Sandy Brown
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin