Tool | Switchboard: De LHBTI+ hulplijn
“A safe place for questions and advice.”
In the Netherlands, Switchboard, the LGBT+ helpline, provides an important and safe source of information and support for anyone who has questions about sexual orientation, gender identity or lifestyle. This helpline is there not only for LGBT+ individuals, but also for family, friends and professionals who have questions or concerns about diversity in these areas. Switchboard allows people to have both anonymous and confidential conversations, via chat, phone or email.
Who is this tool for?
This tool is for counselors, teachers or healthcare professionals who want to know how to effectively support diversity in sex, gender and sexual orientation.
Why this tool?
With the Switchboard helpline and toolkit, together we can contribute to a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feels accepted and supported.
More about the tool
Security and anonymity: an important value
One of the key features of Switchboard is that it provides a safe and anonymous place for LGBT+ individuals to share their stories, ask questions and discuss doubts. This is important for people who feel different or have difficulty finding a safe space to talk about their sexual orientation or gender identity. The anonymous access through the helpline allows users to feel comfortable and speak about their experiences without judgment.
Toolkit: diversity in sex, gender and sexual orientation
In addition to the helpline, Switchboard also offers a comprehensive Toolkit. This toolkit is a practical resource for anyone working with gender, gender and sexual orientation diversity, such as counselors, teachers and health care professionals. The toolkit contains practical information and interventions to improve knowledge and skills and learn how best to deal with the diversity of sexual orientations, gender identities and lifestyles.
The toolkit covers several key points for you as a facilitator to consider the diversity within your group. Some of the key recommendations are highlighted below:
Make diversity visible
The first item in the toolkit is to make diversity visible. This means making space on your website, in your forms and at your location for diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and lifestyles. This can be done, for example, by providing gender-inclusive options in forms and posting information about the LGBT+ community on your website.
Discuss sex, gender and sexual orientation
Another important point is to actively discuss sexual orientation and gender. As a counselor, it is important to ask questions about the sexual orientation and relationshipstatus of the students you counsel. Discussing gender identity can also help create an inclusive environment. This makes it easier for students to share their identities when they feel safe to do so.
Be aware of biases
Recognizing unconscious biases is a crucial part of working with LGBT+ students. Many people often think in traditional binary terms such as “male” or “female,” and have a hard time imagining that there is more in between. The toolkit encourages counselors to recognize these biases and look beyond traditional labels such as gay, lesbian, bi or straight.
Gain knowledge about health disparities
An important aspect of the toolkit is understanding health disparities. Men, women and LGBT+ individuals may have different health needs, and it is essential to be knowledgeable about these. This includes not only physical health, but also mental health and the challenges that transgender or intersex individuals may face.
Care person-centered and respectful
Finally, the toolkit emphasizes the importance of being person-centered. This means treating students respectfully and affirmatively, taking into account their context and giving them direction over their own process. It is also important to refer students warmly to other services and to keep evaluating whether your approach is effective.
Getting started with the toolkit!
Are you a counselor, teacher or healthcare professional and want to learn how to effectively support diversity in sex, gender and sexual orientation? Start using the toolkit today!
