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 people have grown up without hearing the words “gay” or “lesbian.” Therefore, you may not be sure how to respond when a student…
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: Top Recommendations for Addressing LGBTQ+ & Gender Topics, Racism and Intersectionality Through Reading
One of the best ways for schools to create a welcoming environment for students and families is through children’s literature. Inclusive books provide students with both mirrors to affirm their…
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.
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.
Lesson Plans to Create LGBTQ+ Inclusive Classrooms and Schools
Welcoming Schools teacher-friendly lesson plans are designed to help educators create classrooms and schools that are affirming of all students and their families. A key focus of Welcoming Schools is…
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