648 Crisis Calls Since August from California LGBTQ+ Students

From Los Angeles Blade

CHINO, Calif. – In response to the alarming rise in the implementation of forced outing policies in various California school districts, Rainbow Youth Project USA and Our Schools USA partnered to create a dedicated crisis hotline, offering a lifeline of support for affected students.

This groundbreaking partnership provides essential resources and assistance to those grappling with the emotional and psychological consequences of these policies.

The crisis hotline, launched on August 5, 2023, quickly become a beacon of hope for queer students, their parents, and staff members who find themselves facing the distressing impact of the so-called “Parental Notification” policies in some school districts in the state. Introduced by several California school districts, these policies mandate school administrators to inform parents if their child identifies as transgender or gender nonconforming.

Since its inception, the hotline has received a staggering total of 648 crisis contacts from affected students, parents, and staff members, evidencing the urgent need for support in combatting the distress caused by these policies. Out of these requests for help, 67 individuals were referred to mental health counseling services, which Rainbow Youth Project provides at no cost. Three students were identified as high-risk due to self-harming behaviors. Most of the contacts self-reported feelings of anxiety, depression, isolation, and hopelessness

“We are proud to collaborate with Our Schools USA to establish this crucial crisis hotline,” said Lance Preston, Executive Director of Rainbow Youth Project USA. “The hotline reaffirms our commitment to providing safe, supportive spaces for young individuals to access the resources they need during challenging times.”

In a remarkable milestone, Rainbow Youth Project and Our Schools USA have actively supported California Attorney General Rob Bonta in securing a preliminary injunction against the Chino Valley Unified School District, effectively halting its forced outing policy pending trial in 2024. This development is one step forward in the battle to protect the rights and emotional well-being of young individuals affected by these policies.

“The very people entrusted to support our students are actively attacking them while ignoring the real harm their ideological crusades are causing,” said Christina Gagnier, a former school board president and co-founder and CEO of Our Schools USA. “The Rainbow Youth Project’s hotline has been a lifeline for so many and we’re proud to be partners to keep this vital resource available.”

“Our collective efforts to challenge these discriminatory policies and provide vital support to those affected have been amplified through our collaboration,” added Christopher Cooper, Director of Legal Affairs & Legislative Initiatives at Rainbow Youth Project. “We remain steadfast in our resolve to ensure the well-being and safety of every student.”

In a joint statement, the two groups noted: “Rainbow Youth Project USA and Our Schools USA are committed to their ongoing partnership, determined to expand their impact and bring about positive change nationwide. By establishing this innovative crisis hotline, they aspire to create a future where every student is accepted, affirmed, and supported in their journey of self-discovery and personal growth.”

If you or someone you know has been negatively impacted by these policies, please call or text the hotline at 866-975-8870.