This ERIC digest discusses meeting the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered school youth, i.e., supporting their ability to learn while maintaining an environment for them that is free from physical and psychological abuse. It describes the various policy initiatives protecting the rights of lesbian and gay students and indicates that urban schools are now developing programs to help lesbian and gay students feel included and respected. Initiatives include the use of gay and lesbian support groups that can offer services such as counseling, peer support, health information, and referrals; curricula changes that include positive references about gays and lesbians and inclusion of gay studies courses; and appropriate training for school staff that can be delivered by gay service organizations. Special schools geared toward gays and lesbians, such as Harvey Milk High School in New York City, have also been developed. A list of suggestions is provided for districts and schools that want to develop supportive environments for gay and lesbian students without necessarily implementing a full-scale program or adding significantly to their budgets. (Contains 10 references.) (GLR)