Bill would Provide Grants in LGBTQIA+ Rights to School Counselors, Social Workers

A proposal circulating in the legislature would improve mental healthcare for LGBTQIA+ students through training grants for counselors and social workers in schools. The training, developed by the Department of Public Instruction, would focus on identifying and addressing issues facing these students.

The 2023 Youth Risk Behaviors study showed that 79 percent of Wisconsin LGBTQ+ students reported anxiety and 63 percent reported depression.

The training proposal is part of a package of bills introduced by legislative democrats, which also includes eliminating certain criminal defenses based on the victim’s gender identity or sexual orientation, recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ Pride Month, eliminating constitutional restrictions on marriage and prohibiting conversion therapy in Wisconsin.