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The world's largest storytelling organization for LGBTQ+ youth.
Blog Post

Back to School with It Gets Better’s Youth Voices

Aug 24, 2025

We are so excited to bring on a new cohort of incredible Youth Voices for our Fall/Winter 2025 cohort. But before we formally introduce them to you, they have some thoughts to share for this back-to-school season. Read on for some thoughts from Bekah (he/him) and Nashan (she/her), Youth Voices – Fall/Winter 2025, then check out some inspiring video submissions timed to Back to School from the rest of our new class of Youth Voices.

Back to school is tough for everyone. Students are learning to work with new schedules and teachers, parents are scrambling for supplies and teachers are juggling start-of-year events while learning all about their classes. However, LGBTQ+ youth and their families face a set of unique challenges. Social situations, school policies and state laws can cause added stress this season. But, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate this.

  1. Connect with your teachers. Reach out via email or meet with your teachers before or after school. This is especially helpful if you go by a different name or set of pronouns that they might not be aware of. It can increase the likelihood of them not messing it up, and help you avoid stress in the process. Talking with teachers is also a great way to find out about extracurricular opportunities like GSAs, sports teams or other clubs. Not all schools are affirming — but sometimes, even one ally can make all the difference.

One person who says your name right, one friend who walks with you to class, one staff member who listens — that’s a kind of protection too.

It Gets Better tip: Share our EduGuides with your teachers so they can share LGBTQ+ stories in their classroom with activities that meet common core standards!
  1. Learn about your school policies and state laws. If you go by a different name you may need to go through a process to get it changed in the school system. This differs from place to place but can often require parental involvement. On the legislative side, it’s important to know your rights and potential limitations. Check if your area has any restrictive laws such as bathroom bans. Non-profits such as GLSEN, ACLU, and Welcoming Schools have some helpful resources on this.
It Gets Better tip: Dealing with politics can be hard on your mental health. Check out imi for mental health activities created by and for LGBTQ+ youth.
  1. Find things that bring you joy. Depending on your financial situation, getting something new (to you) can help you feel more confident.

Maybe it’s a backpack, a nice outfit, or tickets to an event coming up that you’re excited about; whatever makes you feel better going into the school year.

It Gets Better tip: Join our Summer Reading Challenge and dive into LGBTQ+ books for a little extra queer joy.
  1. Find your people. This could mean working to retain friendships you already have or meeting new people. You need peers who will care about and respect you. If you feel that those you’re surrounding yourself with have been hurtful against parts of you or your identity, communicate that. While it can feel hard and unfair, we have to remember that not everyone is as well educated on the LGBTQ+ community.

Give people patience, but if they are ultimately causing a negative effect, then try to find friends with a positive impact.

Finding community also means creating it. Whether it’s through storytelling, activism, makeup, poetry, or even gaming — there are so many ways to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

It Gets Better tip: To find more people like you and hear their stories, check out our original series.
  1. Be yourself! Being yourself isn’t always easy — but it’s powerful. Some days, showing up as yourself is the biggest act of resistance. Whether you express who you are loudly and proudly or quietly and carefully, both are valid. Both are brave. 
It Gets Better tip: Use our LGBTQ+ Glossary to learn more terms that may make you feel more validated in your identity. 

Back to school can be difficult but focus on what you can control. Doing your research and preparing yourself can make everything go better.

Take a deep breath and remember that no matter what happens during this time, your identity is valid and no one can change that.

Our message to every LGBTQ+ young person is this: You are enough. You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to find your people. And even if the world doesn’t make space for you — make your own. We’re still here. We’re still showing up. And we’re not going anywhere.

For more back-to-school tips, tricks, and inspiration, check out these videos created by our Youth Voices for LGBTQ+ youth (with more rolling out in the coming weeks)

  • Your Guide to Being LGBTQ+ in School (and Surviving It) – By: Marshall
  • Secure at School: The Three P’s to Happpiness – By: Angelo