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Basic Guidelines for ALLIES

  • Respect the privacy of student who may seek you out for support, information, or resources: keep these contacts confidential.
  • Respect students’ changing experience of self as they explore their sexual identity: use language that reflects where the students are in their developmental process.
  • Respect students’ rights to remain closeted: there can be tremendous negative consequences to coming out for many students, including the loss of friends, family, financial support, and basic safety.
  • Respect the boundaries of the students with whom you have contact: maintain clear, professional boundaries as a teacher, advisor, or advocate at all times.
  • Respect the needs of students who are beyond what you are trained to provide: refer students for counseling when appropriate. If a student is experiencing a good deal of psychological distress and is having difficulty coping, suggest that counseling may be helpful.
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