Creating Safe and Welcoming Schools

HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools is the most comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive professional development training, lesson plans, booklists and resources specifically designed for educators and youth-serving professionals. Our program uses an intersectional, anti-racist lens dedicated to actionable policies and practices. We uplift school communities with critical tools to embrace family diversity, create LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying, and support transgender and non-binary students.
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Welcoming Schools Pronouns 101

It is important to be intentional about the way we use pronouns so we can create an affirming, inclusive environment for everyone. Check out the new Welcoming Schools Pronouns 101 resource for information on what a pronoun is, why pronouns matter and pronoun etiquette tips!

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Schedule a Welcoming Schools Premier Training - Virtual or In-Person!

Welcoming Schools is now offering professional development virtually and in-person. All of our trainings feature a comprehensive pre-training site for asynchronous learning and skilled facilitators who will work with your school team virtually or in-person. To learn more or book your training, contact us now!

Find LGBTQ+ and Gender Inclusive Resources for Your School

Ready-to-use lesson plans, books and resources to give educators the tools to create welcoming and inclusive school communities.

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Sign up for the Welcoming Schools Newsletter

Stay up to date on the latest Welcoming Schools resources and events by signing up to receive our monthly newsletter!

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Why Say Gay? K-3 Lessons & Resources

Using inclusive language and providing representation of all families are simple ways educators can affirm students’ identities. Find Welcoming Schools Resources and Lesson Plans that meet Common Core Standards to develop a safe and respectful learning environment.

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Wondering How to Support Transgender and Non-Binary Students?

Check out Welcoming Schools gender resources or bring Welcoming Schools trainers to your school. Inclusive schools allow all students to thrive regardless of gender identity or expression.

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Be Prepared: Responding to Kids’ Questions on LGBTQ+ Topics

Children ask a lot of questions, and some are challenging to answer quickly or succinctly. Check out these responses to help ensure that you are prepared to give your children or students the answers they need.

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Welcoming Schools Annual Report - Fiscal Year 2023

Against book bans, anti-transgender bathroom bills and sports bans, the Welcoming Schools program introduced new resources and provided critical services and training to a record number of educators and school leaders over the past year!

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Secondary LGBTQ+ and Gender Inclusive Schools Checklist

Support and empower your students to express their identities so that they can thrive - socially, emotionally, and academically.

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