Don't assume heterosexuality
The first and most difficult step is to believe that some portion of the population you will see is not heterosexual.

Use the words
Homosexuality, homosexual, gay, gay man, lesbian, bisexuality, bisexual, transgender. Become comfortable with the words so that your participants and families will believe that you are comfortable with the ideas. Knowing the slang does not hurt either.

Ask the questions
Ask about the lives that your families lead in ways that demonstrate that you can handle hearing the truth. If you think that sexual orientation issues may underlie some other issue, then you need to ask specifically rather than sidestepping the issue.

Don't tolerate hate language, jokes or actions on site
People are notoriously homophobic when segregated by gender. Not calling people on their homophobia represents tacit approval. Limit-setting around homophobic language and behavior helps create a tolerant environment. Homophobic jokes, comments, and behavior by staff are unprofessional.

Educate staff and families about these issues
Workshops and in-service training will help to familiarize staff with the issues and break down stereotypes and biases. You can contact the UUA Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns to schedule a training.

Hire openly Bisexual/Gay/Lesbian/Transgender staff and support people who are "out"
Staff who are "out" may be able to serve as resources to the whole church staff and may be particularly useful in reaching out to people with sexual orientation issues. Open persons are great advocates; support their efforts and validate their existence.

Make Bisexual/Gay/Lesbian/Transgender information available
Know what is available in terms of resources. Search them out. Hang posters and notices that give information about bisexual/gay/lesbian/transgender resources. Haave information that can be given out, such as pamphlets and cards. Distribute the pamphlet Talking with Children and Youth About Sexual Orienation to all RE teachers and make it available to parents. It can be ordered from the UUA Bookstore.