Part of the international high-IQ society that has online forums, scholarships, and opportunities to socialize.
QueerSIG (special interest group) is one of the longest-running SIGs in American Mensa.
The annual scholarship program includes one funded specifically for LGBTQ+-identifying students. Be sure to include that in your application essay!
The Minnesota chapter is Minnesota Mensa.
“We work to create a world where everyone can thrive no matter their gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Central to this work is dismantling the legal, political, and structural barriers to gender equity.”
GLSEN—Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network
“GLSEN works with educators, policy makers, community leaders and students on the urgent need to address anti-LGBT behavior and bias in schools. GLSEN strives to protect students from bullying and harassment, to advance comprehensive safe schools laws and policies, to empower principals to make schools safer, and to build the skills of educators to teach respect for all people.”
Includes information on gifted education, 2E (twice-exceptional) issues, and has reading lists for gifted teens.
Has a large section on its website dedicated to helping young LGBTQ people know their rights.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Because youth are coming out at ever-earlier ages, the Task Force has established content on its website and in its programming that is specifically geared toward young people.
This foundation gives scholarships and provides program assistance to educators and GLBT youth who live in Minnesota.
Quatrefoil (Minneapolis) has books and e-books suitable for young readers, as well as community events. Membership is free for all, but donations help to keep the library going.
RECLAIM increases access to mental health support so that queer and trans youth ages 12-25 may reclaim their lives from oppression in all its forms.
Transforming Families Minnesota
Offers multiple resources for all transgender youth and their families.
Based in MN, but some other states, such as California, have similar organizations.
The Trevor Project: Saving Young Lives
“The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.”
Social networking site for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth ages 13 through 24 and their friends and allies. It is a safe, moderated space for making new friends and learning how to be active in your local LGBTQ+ community.
Books
Brown, Rita Mae. Rita Will: Memoir of a Literary Rabble-Rouser. New York: Bantam Books, 1997.
In her memoir, Brown explicates her life’s journey as a gifted-queer woman, emphasizing the importance of being true to one’s self and the necessity of developing resiliency to counter discriminatory attitudes.
Huegel, Kelly. GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Queer & Questioning Teens. 2nd ed. Minneapolis: Free Spirit Publishing, 2011.
Covering issues from abusive relationships to youth resources, Huegel answers many of the common (and some not-so-common) questions that arise for LGBTQ+ teens, providing them with tools to advocate for themselves and keep themselves healthy.
Piechowski, Michael M. “Experiencing in a Higher Key: Dabrowski’s Theory of and for the Gifted.” Expert Approaches to Support Gifted Learners. Ed. Margaret Wayne Gosfield. Minneapolis: Free Spirit Publishing, 2008. 19-32.
This chapter provides a brief introduction/overview for readers unfamiliar with Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration. It can be very helpful in understanding the concept of Overexcitabilities (OEs).
The inclusion of links on this page does not imply endorsement of or affiliation with the associated organizations, and this site’s owner bears no responsibility for the accuracy of the content (or lack thereof) found at external sites. Links are included for informational purposes only.