DPS LGBTQ+ Toolkit

Joy as Resistance: Mental Health and Wellness Support

With a mission to create space for queer youth to hope for the future and find joy in the present by providing mental health, healing, and wellness support, Joy as Resistance supports the mental health and wellness of Colorado LGBTQIA+ youth aged 10-24 and their families.

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG): Denver Chapter

PFLAG Denver is the Denver chapter of the Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays national organization. Its mission is to support, educate and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, their families, friends and allies. educates both families and the public about sexual orientation, gender identity, and other LGBTQ+ issues by hosting speaking events, one-on-one meetings, and programs.

One Colorado: Advocacy and Support

One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families. One Colorado is also working to change the hearts and minds of everyday Coloradans on LGBTQ issues through public education efforts.

NXT Queer Youth Space

The NXT Program seeks to create a safe environment for queer and transgender youth to foster healthy relationships, express themselves authentically, develop support systems, build community, and advocate for themselves. They provide substance-free social and educational programming; sexual education; access to technology, mental health, and housing resources; and peer support. The NXT Queer Youth program hosts weekly drop-in hours (both in-person and on Zoom) for queer and trans youth and young adults to meet other queer and trans people their age in a safe and affirming environment, as well as play games, access technology, and discuss topics related to their experiences.

EnvisionYOU: Colorado LGBTQ+ Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Initiative

EnvisionYOU works to support, educate, and empower members of Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community who are living with a mental health and/or substance use disorder. They educate the public about and build awareness of mental health and substance use disorders and treatments; provide education, training, and resources to expand the availability of culturally affirming treatment services; and advocate for changes to local and state-wide policies to advance equity for LGBTQ+ individuals living with mental health and substance use disorders.

Resource for DPS Teams: LGBTQ+ Toolkit

Designed as a resource for DPS staff and educators, but also publicly available to students and families, the DPS LGBTQ+ Toolkit is a document that includes education, guidance, diverse local resources, and points of contact for Team DPS members looking to better support LGBTQ+ students. For questions about this resource, please contact Levi Arithson (he/his/him), LGBTQ+ Program Manager on the Culture, Equity and Leadership Team (CELT).