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LGBTQ+
Schools that actively work to welcome and affirm LGBTQ+ students, families and staff improve the school climate for the whole school community. When students feel safe and affirmed, they can thrive both academically and socially.
LGBTQ+ inclusive schools:
- Welcome all children, families and staff
- Promote gender equity and support transgender, non-binary and gender expansive students
- Proactively work to prevent and address bias-based bullying with an intersectional, anti-racist lens
- Foster understanding and respect for all people
"Yes, They Are a Family!"
Children ask questions to understand the world around them. Be prepared with these sample responses about family.
A Checklist for a Welcoming and Inclusive School Environment
Ensure all of your students and their families feel welcome with this simple checklist to assess your school climate. Is it welcoming? Are you developing a school where all children…
A Checklist for Embracing All Families
Ensure all of your students and their families and caregivers feel welcome with this simple checklist. Take time to review your school’s policies and practices. Are you developing a school…
Actions LGBTQ Parents/Guardians Can Take to Support Their Children in Elementary School
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When students with LGBTQ caregivers enter school, families often wonder if their students will be safe, respected, and embraced by the school. Some schools are welcoming and very…
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…
Bias, Bullying & Bystanders - Tips for Elementary School Educators
Be an upstanderYou are a role model for your students. They watch what you do and will follow your lead.They notice whether you stop hurtful name-calling or comments based on…
Celebrating Inclusive Mother’s Day & Father’s Day
As we celebrate and honor caregivers in schools, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can be opportunities to recognize the diversity of family structures.
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…
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…
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…