LGBTQ students have a higher dropout rate than heterosexual or cisgendered peers. While universities can offer a safe haven for LGBTQ students, they can also be a hostile, indeed unsafe learning environment. The COVID pandemic has exacerbated homelessness among LGBTQ individuals, particularly young people. Being aware of these patterns, approaching all students with compassion, connecting students to campus resources on your syllabus, and engaging in a process of reflection and learning, are four things you can do to support an equitable learning environment. Here are more suggestions:

• Creating an LGBTQIA+ inclusive environment
• Gender and pronouns guide
• Gender inclusive restroom map (UConn)
• Recognizing microaggressions