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"All students deserve to see themselves in their curriculum, including students who identify as LGBTQ and come from LGBTQ-headed families. "
-GLSEN
The Issue
According the Human Rights Campaign's 2018 LGBTQ Youth Report:
67% of LGBTQ students hear their families make negative comments about LGBTQ people
Trans youth are over 2x more likely to be taunted or mocked by family for their LGBTQ identity than cisgender LGBQ youth.
"LGBTQ youth of color often face additional stress and adverse impacts on their health and well-being as a result of bias around their intersecting identities." -NEA EdJustice
National Recommendations
Recommendations the Human Rights Campaign's 2018 LGBTQ Youth Report:
Establish clear and inclusive policies to support LGBTQ youth
Provide annual LGBTQ-inclusive training for all school staff
Be intentional about creating safe spaces for LGBTQ youth
Be a visible advocate for LGBTQ inclusion and equality
Provide educational resources for teachers, parents and students
Action Steps
Christine supports proposing a resolution in support of meaningful actions that affirm the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and community in the district. Meaningful actions could include additional, ongoing inclusive curriculum and professional development for teachers.
The Benefits
Christine agrees with the benefits outlined by GLSEN, which include:
Inclusive curriculum supports a student’s ability to empathize, connect, and collaborate with a diverse group of peers, and encourages respect for all.
Teaching LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum acknowledges the reality that many students come from LGBTQ-headed families, are being taught by LGBTQ-educators, and are, increasingly, identifying as LGBTQ themselves even in elementary school.
LGBTQ students with inclusive curriculum have better academic and mental health outcomes, and are less likely to miss school (GLSEN’s National School Climate Survey).
Additional Resources
ACLU Know Your Rights for LGBTQ Students
The Trevor Project's Coming Out: A Handbook for LGBTQ Young People
California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network: #OutforMentalHealth
GSA NetworkPFLAG's Webpage on Cultivating Respect: Safe Spaces for Schools
Open Letter to Schools About Addressing Anti-LGBTQ Bullying (ACLU)
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