It is not uncommon for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning youth to feel unsafe in school and experience anxiety or depression as a result of their sexual orientation. In 2009 Montrose Counseling Center in Houston received a three-year grant from the Hogg Foundation to provide outreach, assessment and counseling to address the mental health needs of GLBTQ youth and their families.
Safe Zones Project is an in-school counseling program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and their family members. As a result of their hard work and commitment to these youth, the Safe Zones Project was listed as the first reason Houston and Harris County were selected as one of the 100 Best Communities for Youth by America’s Promise Alliance In November 2010.
Please check out this video of youth talking about the difference this program has made in their lives.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3laJ61s9jhM]