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.
Learn More

Welcoming Schools Checklist for Preventing Bias-Based Bullying

Ensure all of your students and their families feel welcome with this simple checklist to assess your school climate and prevent bias-based bullying.

View Checklist Now!

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.

Download Free Resources Now!

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.

Download Now

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!

Sign up now

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.

Explore Welcoming Schools Gender Resources

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.

Learn More

What Does Non-Binary Mean? What Does Transgender Mean?

Ever wondered how to define an LGBTQ+ word for a student?
Check out these resources to help you out!

Learn More

Welcoming Schools LGBTQ+ Inclusive Schools Secondary Booklists

Welcoming Schools secondary book lists are designed to help educators create classrooms, libraries and schools that are affirming of LGBTQ+ students, families and staff with high quality literature.

Download Now