Many school districts use Internet filtering software on school computers to prevent students from accessing certain websites that have been deemed inappropriate for youth. Unfortunately, sometimes this software blocks access to sites that provide valuable information and resources for LGBTQ youth. If you are concerned that this may be an issue in your district, consider taking the following steps:

• Log onto a school computer and try visiting LGBTQ supportive websites such as lambdalegal.org, pflag.org, glsen.org and gsanetwork.org. (If you are a parent or family member, ask a student to do so.) Next, try visiting anti-LGBTQ websites such as pfox.org and americansfortruth.com.

• If LGBTQ-supportive websites are blocked, ask school administrators whether they are intentionally blocking them (or ask your parent/guardian or a supportive teacher to do so). If they are not, the school should work with the filtering software company to unblock these sites.

• If school administrators are intentionally blocking LGBTQ supportive sites, they may be acting illegally—especially if they do not block antigay sites. Contact Lambda Legal at www.lambdalegal.org/help if this is the case.