Established in 2011, LYRIC’s School-Based Initiative (SBI) is a model of bringing LYRIC’s over 30 years of expertise with LGBTQQ youth directly into SFUSD school communities.
LYRIC School-Based Initiative’s purpose is to educate and build allyship among students, school staff, and families to create learning environments where LGBTQQ youth can be successful and truly thrive.
SBI’s Q Groups support BIPOC middle and high school queer, transgender, gender nonconforming, and questioning youth in the school setting through structured group programming addressing issues such as identity, relationships, and queer sexual health.
What are Q Groups?
- Q Group is a weekly group that centers Black, Indigenous, People of Color and Trans students in SFUSD middle and high schools who are part of the LGBTQ+ community or think they might be.
- We talk about different topics such as Identity, Healthy Relationships, Family, Partners, Self Care, and we also learn tools to communicate and advocate for ourselves and our communities.
- We are also no strangers to participating in games and activities.
- This group is different from a GSA or Diversity club as this space is not for straight allies. This is solely focused on building community and support with other LGBTQ+ peers.
- Q Group is confidential. We hope you will join us in creating a bold, fun and inclusive space for our communities.
There is almost never a safe space at school, which makes it hard to believe you have a reason to live. Q Group has really helped me. You are surrounded with people who actually believe in you and want you to succeed. – V, age 12
How To Join a Q-Group?
- If you or someone you know is interested in joining: High School Q Group, connect with the Wellness Center at the school site. For Middle School Q Group, connect with the school’s Social Worker. For more information about Q Groups from LYRIC, please contact SBI Team via [email protected]
Whenever homophobic classmates are saying things to me that make me feel threatened or alone, I can think of the people who are part of this Q Group. – A, age 13
Q Groups connect students to mental health professionals and clinics that offer gender-affirming health services. Middle schools, unlike high schools, do not have Wellness Centers. And while, 100% of Q Group participants are connected to school-based social workers through Q Group, students lose that support during the summer.
After identifying a need for further connection and engagement during the summer, the SBI team implemented a summer bridge program (Camp Sparkle) in 2019 for middle school Q Group participants. The program’s goal is to promote self esteem, peer connection, social and emotional learning (SEL), and continued academic success.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining a high school Q Group, connect with the Wellness Center at the school site. For Middle School, connect with the school’s Social Worker.
For more information about Q Groups from LYRIC, please contact SBI Team via [email protected]