“These groups provide you with the opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and feel the comfort of a supportive community.” “Gender Spectrum hosts free online groups for pre-teens, teens, parents, caregivers, and other family members and adults,” the description of the chatroom on the Arizona Department of Education website said. Students aged 13-16 and 17-18 are encouraged to sign up, but the 10-12 age group was at capacity, the website said. Discussion groups are divided into age groups and facilitated by trained volunteers. The Gender Spectrum chatroom advertises online groups for “ trans,” “non-binary,” and “gender-expansive youth” and can be joined by video, audio, or chat.

The website directs students to numerous LGBT resources, including local clubs, guides for gender transitions, and LBGT chatrooms.īoth of the chats linked to by the state Education Department have moderators, either volunteer or staff, monitoring conversations, some of whom work at LGBT centers. The chatrooms are part of the department’s effort to support LGBT youths, and they were put together with the help of “members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community,” according to the Arizona Department of Education website. The Arizona Department of Education directs students to LGBT-themed chatrooms for children as young as 10 to discuss gender and sexuality as part of its student resources.