Though we know the challenges for our
LGBTQ+ youth, we aren’t doing enough
to sufficiently address them. The following
suggestions will help individuals, schools
and school systems to provide safer, more in-
clusive environments. Simply put, for some
of our students this is life or death work.
Individuals
Teachers and administrators are role
models. Whether they choose to police
gender expression or celebrate diversity has
profound effects on the development of stu-
dents’ adult beliefs.
• For elementary teachers, choose books
that have a queer or trans protagonist. If this
idea seems challenging, think of all of the
stories that have a heterosexual lead. Most
“happily ever afters” are reserved solely for
a male/female pairing. Diverse books allow
for students to imagine their future and see
themselves as “normal.”
• Limit your gendered classroom direc-
tions. Replace “boys and girls” with “schol-
ars, scientists or authors.”
• California EdCode requires that social
science teachers teach LGBT history, “with
particular emphasis on portraying the role
of these groups in contemporary society.”
Including these queer figures in history dis-
cussions makes students, queer and straight,
feel safer in schools (Russell 2006). Though
not required beyond the scope of social sci-
ence, so many LGBT individuals have in-
fluenced all academic subjects and the in-
formation could be shared to have a robust
conversation.
• Interrupt bullying or biased behavior
when you see it happen. This should be auto-
matic, but many educators don’t actively stop
bullying or use biased comments as a teach-
able moment.
• Ref lect about how to become an ally.
Jal Mehta (2017) has an article titled the
“The White Journey to Racial Awareness:
A Stage Theory,” which provides a helpful
framework and strong parallel for individu-
als to reflect on their allyship to LGBTQ+
individuals.
Schools
Schools should be a kind place where ev-
eryone is welcome. As you work to create an
Though we know the
challenges for our LGBTQ+
youth, we aren’t doing
enough to sufficiently
address them.
inclusive environment, create a welcoming
school climate and provide visual reminders
that all are welcome.
• Start a Gay-Straight Alliance on cam-
pus. Building community with peers is one
of the most important strategies for queer or
questioning students. The GSA can sponsor
schoolwide events like “Day of Silence” or
“National Coming Out Day.”
• All families in your school community
must feel included. Sponsor a parent affinity
group for queer parents and include photos
of queer or single parent families in murals.
• California law requires single stall bath-
rooms to be gender neutral. Students should
use whatever bathroom corresponds to their
gender identity.
• Review sex ed curriculum to ensure that
it discusses safety and consent for same-sex
couples and that the teacher feels comfort-
able discussing these issues with students.
• Collect data on your queer-identified
students and those who have known issues
with bullying. Analyze these data to deter-
mine any academic achievement gaps that
exist; align supports to ensure that students
are supported.
Systems
An inclusive school system is one that
regularly listens and responds to the needs
of their queer students and faculty to ensure
they are able to thrive.
• Visibility is crucial. When starting an
affinity group for Oakland educators, many
staff members responded that it was the first
time they had their whole selves seen by
their employers. Allow queer folks to dis-
cuss queer issues, but ensure they don’t have
to champion all LGBTQ+ issues and be the
sole “gay voice” at their school site.
• Current events may negatively impact
the LGBTQ+ community in ways differ-
ent than straight co-workers. Acknowledge
these events and get comfortable listening to
an experience that might not be your own.
• Review healthcare and medical leave
policies to ensure there is not an uninten-
tional consequence for same-sex individu-
als. Parental leaves are especially important.
• Ensure that your district’s non-discrim-
ination policy specifically mentions gender
identity and sexual orientation.
• Have a clearly defined process for name
and gender pronoun changes. In Oakland,
there is a simple form to update our records
and ensure that our internal student records
mirror students’ true selves.
• Join the Out for Safe Schools Initiative.
This initiative from the Los Angeles LGBT
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