Varsity support for LGBT youth in S’pore

We agree with the letter writer, in “LGBT youth at higher risk of suicide, more support needed” (April 29), that school leaders should pay attention to fostering safe, healthy school environments.

There are several student groups providing support for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) students in our universities, with varying levels of institutional support.

These include The G Spot (Yale-National University of Singapore College), tFreedom (Tembusu College, NUS), Gender Collective (University Scholars Programme, NUS), Kaleidoscope (an independent Nanyang Technological University group) and Out To Care (Singapore Management University).

Some groups also provide education on LGBT-related issues for the broader student population, to create safer and more inclusive school environments.

For instance, Yale-NUS College organised its inaugural Ally Week in March to raise awareness among students and faculty on issues facing minorities, including the LGBT community, while tFreedom holds peer support sessions for its members.

The Inter-University LGBT Network was also formed recently as a platform for these student groups to collaborate in creating safer, more inclusive school communities through support and/or education.

Students can reach out to their respective university groups through the network, which will be launched officially at Pink Dot 2015. More can be done, however, on the part of school administrators to safeguard the wellness of LGBT students.

Institutions can create systems that foster a more inclusive school community, such as publishing a clear set of guidelines on sexual respect as the University Scholars Programme did last year.

Schools should also provide LGBT students with more specific support resources. Currently, Yale-NUS College and Tembusu College list Oogachaga as a helpline and off-campus resource for these students. Tembusu College also offers in-house LGBT-affirming counselling services.

School administrators should ensure that our schools are not only world class in research and teaching but also safe and affirmative for all students.