Parental Resources – read more
School Staff Resources – read more
Did You Know?
The state House and Senate are currently considering bills that would prevent transgender athletes from playing on teams consistent with their gender identity. The OHSAA, which governs student athletes in grades 7-12, has had a policy about transgender athletes since 2015. Since then, 11 transgender females and 35 transgender males have been approved to play on teams consistent with their gender identity.
About This Page
Listed below are local and national resources with programs serving parents of SOGI children, teens, and young adults, as well as school and college administrators and staff. Links are provided which target specific needs and conveniently take you directly to the optimal place on the affiliate’s website. This list is by no means exhaustive. If you’ve had a positive experience with a website or provider, please email us with information and reasons you would recommend them. Each section also includes suggestions for books and articles related to these topics.
Parental Resources
TransYouth Family Allies – resources for parents
COLORS+ Youth Center of Fairview Park – check out their Biannual LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sexual Health Classes which cover gender, consent, sexual health-the basics, sexual health-life planning, dealing with rejection, what to do if boundaries are crossed, and much more. Ages 11-19. Please note: GSSN is providing this link for information purposes only. GSSN is not a sponsor and assumes no responsibility or liability for any of the content presented.
Counseling – youth
Wellbeing Unlimited, Inc. Brooke H. Kroto, L.I.S.W. 216-261-7887
East side: 250 Richmond Rd, Richmond Hts, OH 44143
West side: 21851 Center Ridge Rd, Suite 411 Rocky River, OH 44116
Jes James Sellers, PhD Psychologist Heights Medical Bldg, 2460 Fairmount Blvd, Suite 301, Cleveland Hts, OH 44106 216-800-5370
DeBalzo, Elgudin, Levine, Risen LLC (DELR) 23425 Commerce Park Rd. Suite 104, Beachwood, OH 44122 216-831-2900
Katherine Bennett MSW, LISW Outpatient Therapist 21625 Chagrin Blvd. Suite 200 Beachwood, OH 44122 216-309-1559
Ravenwood Health – counseling fee based on ability to pay for Geauga County residents
Marissa Patsey – Psychotherapist and LGBTQIAA+ Consultant – Cleveland Heights
Healthcare – youth
Cleveland Clinic – Gender Understanding, Identity and Expression (GUIDE)
Metro Health Pride Network
UH Hospital – Adults, Youth, Children
Pediatrics
Ann Failinger MD – Chardon Pediatrics (440) 285-9166
Pediatricenter of Greater Cleveland – Angela Vitiello MD
Bainbridge: 8185 E Washington St #3, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 – 440-543-3627
Twinsburg: 8900 Darrow Rd. Suite H108 Twinsburg, OH 44087 – 330-405-9147
Books and Articles
I Am Jazz, the story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere. This is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children whether those kids identify as trans or not. Jessica Herthel, Jazz Jennings 2014
Becoming Nicole, The Transformation of an American Family, by Amy Ellis Nutt (Pulitzer Prize winner) – copyright 2015
A couple adopts identical twin boys. At 2 years of age, one twin insists he is a female. The story follows the family’s challenges personally and in the community. Interspersed through the book are several chapters that explain the biology (chromosomes, endocrinology) of gender anomalies.
Gender; A Graphic Guide, by Meg-John Barker and Jules Scheele – copyright 2019
Travel through shifting understandings of gender across time and space – from ideas about masculinity and femininity, to non-binary and trans genders. Consider the intersecting experiences of gender; culture, experiences, and biology.
School Staff Resources
GLSEN
The Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network is a national non-profit organization that focuses on providing support for K-12 schools. GLSEN provides educator training and assists student-led GSAs and other clubs. Please contact Geauga SOGI if you are interested in GLSEN training for your school.
Professional Development
Educator Resources
Webinars
Virtual Resources
School Climate For LGBTQ+ Students In Ohio – 2019 State Snapshot
Human Rights Campaign
HRC is a national organization that advocates for the SOGI community. The HRC foundation supports LGBTQ+ individuals through a variety of programs.
Research and Data
Anti-Bullying Curriculum for PreK-8
Professional Development
Time to Thrive is an annual conference for all who serve youth on the SOGI spectrum, co-presented by the National Education Association and the American Counseling Association.
Book Lists
Guide for Supporting Transgender Students
Executive Summary of the CDC’s 2019 Youth Risk Surveillance data
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is a national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for individuals on the SOGI spectrum who are under 25 years of age.
Professional Development: Free on-line lessons and in-person trainings for adults who work with youth.
Suicide Prevention Resources
Ally Guide
LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
The LGBT Center supports members of the SOGI community throughout the Greater Cleveland area.
Professional Development
Queer Youth Initiative
Other Staff Resources
PFLAG National
National Education Association
LifeAct (Chagrin Falls, OH) understand more about depression and suicide
GSA Network
CDC Educator and School Resources
CDC Data
Ohio GSA Network