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LGBTQ+ Support & Protection

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
Our LGBTQ+ students need us to ensure our schools are places where all students are protected and empowered.
By: National Education Association
Published: May 11, 2023
This toolkit originally appeared on NEA.org

How to use this toolkit

  • Read about the importance of supporting and protecting LGBTQ+ students, take action, and get involved with the movement
  • Find art to help you communicate your opinions and express your emotions
  • Learn how to talk about this issue effectively and respectfully, particularly with those who think differently
  • Explore resources to help you learn more about LGBTQ+ issues
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CONTEXT

We all deserve the right to live, work, and thrive no matter our sexual orientation or gender identities—no exceptions. But today, certain politicians are pushing laws that restrict our freedoms and divide us, so they can get and hold onto power at any cost—even if that means denying us the basic rights, resources, and respect that we all deserve.  

Educators, parents, students, and communities are uniting across race, genders, and place to demand safe and affirming schools where all our students can learn, grow, and thrive. 

Now is our time to demand the fully resourced and supportive schools all our families need, and to ensure all LGBTQ+ people are free to be their authentic selves and pursue their dreams. 

Please use the guidance in this toolkit freely and as you see fit! Share it with your colleagues and community, so we can all work together in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. We're absolute believers that if our words don't spread, they don't work and as such we are honored to have you use this language verbatim.

Put Your Community on the Equality without Exceptions Map!

Fill out and submit the form below to have your local event added to our map.

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Resources for Educators

NEA offers educators LGBTQ+ information, tools, and resources they need to support transgender and non-binary students, to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ history in their classrooms, and to stop LGBTQ+ bias and intolerance in our public schools.
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What Educators Should Know About LGBTQ+ Rights

This guidance answers some FAQs about federal protections for public school students and employees, the threats posted by state legislation, and resources to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students.
Explore the guide

Legal Guidance on Transgender Students' Rights

This guidance provides educators with a short overview about transgender students’ rights, a description of the key best practices for schools in respecting these rights, and a brief primer regarding transgender issues.
Learn more
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NEA LGBTQ+ Resources

NEA offers multiple LGBTQ+ Trainings to teach educators and school personnel how to create a safe school climate for students and staff.
Access professional learning
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LBGTQ+ Book Recommendations

Inspire and engage your students with Read Across America books that reflect their experiences and expand their horizons. 

Get Recommendations > 

Schools in Transition: A Guide to Support Transgender Students in K-12

This guidance was developed to provide educators with a short overview about transgender students’ rights. 

Get the guide> 

Webinars on Hosting a Virtual GSA and Supporting Students

GLSEN and the NEA created webinars covering topics for elementary, middle, and high school GSAs or Gender and Sexuality Alliances. 

Learn more >

Pronoun Guide

A guide for NEA leaders, members and staff to better understand and use pronouns in a respectful way.

DO
Share your pronouns. When introducing yourself say, “Hi, my name is _____ and I use ______ pronouns.” If you wear a name tag or ID badge, add your pronouns to it.
DO
Apologize briefly and correct yourself when you’ve misgendered someone.
DO
Use gender-neutral pronouns like they/them, when you’re unsure of someone’s pronouns.
DON'T
Assume a person’s gender identity or pronouns.
DON'T
Over-apologize when you’ve misgendered someone. Avoid making the moment about your feelings when it should be about them.
DON'T
Over-apologize when you’ve misgendered someone. Avoid making the moment about your feelings when it should be about them.

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