Children often have questions about LGBTQ and gender topics that many educators are not prepared to answer. How teachers respond to these teachable moments or to LGBTQ and gender put-downs is critical for creating a school climate that is affirming and welcoming for all children, youth and families.
Welcoming Schools has several resources to help teachers give affirming, inclusive responses to children’s questions, to interrupt gender stereotypes and prevent bias-based bullying.
It doesn’t matter if it is a first grader who might not know what the word “gay” means, a sixth grader trying to sound cool or a tenth grader “teasing”…
Read Moreabout What Do You Say to ‘That’s So Gay’ & Other Anti-LGBTQ+ Comments?The U.S. Supreme Court ruling on June 26, 2016 that guaranteed the fundamental right of marriage to same-gender couples was an important moment in history. It is our job as…
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…
It doesn’t matter if it is a first grader who might not
know what the word “gay” means, a sixth grader trying
to sound cool or a tenth grader “teasing”…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Children ask questions to understand the world around them. Be prepared with these sample responses about family.