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
Great LGBTQ+ Inclusive Picture & Middle Grade Books
Download Top Recommendations Download an Extended List of LGBTQ+ Inclusive Picture Books Download an Extended List of LGBTQ+ Inclusive Middle Grade Books
Read Moreabout Great LGBTQ+ Inclusive Picture & Middle Grade Books
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…
What Do You Say to ‘That’s So Gay’ & Other Anti-LGBTQ+ Comments?
It doesn’t matter if it’s a first grader who might not know what the word “gay” means, a sixth grader trying to sound cool, or a tenth grader “teasing” a…
Welcoming Schools' Safe School Signs
Download Welcoming Schools Be Who You Are Safe School Signs.
Welcoming Schools Book Lists: Diverse Children’s Books to Create LGBTQ+ Inclusive Classrooms and Schools
Welcoming Schools book lists are designed to help educators create classrooms and schools that are affirming of LGBTQ+ students, families and staff. A key focus of our program is to…
WATCH: What Do You Know? Kids Talk About LGBTQ+ Topics
An award winning short film produced by HRC Welcoming Schools for elementary school educators and parents/caregivers.
Top Diverse Picture Books for a Welcoming Elementary School
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Top Diverse Middle Grade Books for a Welcoming School
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Reading LGBTQ+ Inclusive Children’s Books in Schools
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Professional Development Training for Your School: On-Site or Virtual – Gender & LGBTQ+ Inclusive
HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools program has certified facilitators across the country ready to work with your school or district to improve school climate with gender and LGBTQ+ inclusive trainings. See…
LGBTQ+ History & Pride: Engaging Lessons and Books
Learn about prominent LGBTQ+ people and about historical events that were part of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement with these lessons and books.