Identity & Allyship
Welcoming Schools offers teacher-friendly resources designed to help educators create classrooms and schools that are free of gender stereotypes and gender norms that limit all children.
Find resources to help students understand transgender and nonbinary people and to support and affirm all students’ identities across the gender spectrum.
When a Student Comes Out: Responding with Trust, Care, and Affirmation
For many students, coming out can be an important step in understanding and expressing who they are.
What Does "Gay" Mean?
There is not one right answer
Many educators are unsure how to respond when a student asks you what does gay mean. It is better to try to answer than…
Gender and Children: A Place to Begin
Creating schools that nurture academic achievement, provide physical and emotional safety and welcome all students are common goals for all educators. In order for students to feel supported and empowered…
Developing A Welcoming Classroom
Educators working to develop a classroom that is welcoming of all students and their families may find it helpful to ask these questions.
Developing a Gender Inclusive School
Creating schools that nurture academic achievement, provide physical and emotional safety and welcome all students are common goals for all educators. As educators, one can create gender-expansive environments that affirm…
Definitions to Help Understand Gender and Sexual Orientation
Note: These definitions are for adults and older students.
Defining LGBTQ+ Words for Elementary School Students
When children ask questions about LGBTQ+ words, it is often best to offer simple and direct answers. You might choose to answer a student’s question with another question to figure…
Creating a Welcoming Early Childhood Education Program
A feeling of belonging is critical to every child’s well-being. This is illustrated starting in infancy and throughout early childhood with the drive to attach and form bonds. These bonds…
Be Prepared for Questions and Put-Downs about Gender
It is important to practice how to respond to questions related to gender and how to interrupt gender based teasing and bullying. Being prepared will help you embrace teachable moments…
Be Prepared for LGBTQ+ Questions & Concerns
When receiving professional development training from HRC Welcoming Schools or using our materials, families, school staff or school boards may initially feel nervous about creating inclusive classrooms and schools, especially…