Every student deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued no matter what their family looks like. Whether you’re a parent, student, or educator, there are so many ways you can advocate for safer and more affirming schools.
Explore: CLASSROOM TIPS | DISCRIMINATION | SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
To hear more school-related stories, listen to our Outspoken Voices podcast episodes.
Creating an LGBTQ+ friendly classroom
We can all work harder to ensure that LGBTQ+ families, youth, and staff feel welcome in the classroom!
Representation is also critical for creating inclusivity in the classroom. Add to your library by checking out Family Equality’s database of books that represent the diversity of our families in a loving and respectful way.
Discrimination and Title IX
Title IX is a powerful tool to safeguard your rights and protect against discrimination. Enacted as part of the Education Amendments of 1972, it is a federal law that protects LGBTQ+ youth and families from discrimination, bullying and harassment, and hostile environments.
Supporting students
Research from Family Equality, COLAGE, and GLSEN shows that 1 in 4 youth with LGBTQ+ parents report feeling unsafe in school. And, with states passing book bans and “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bills, the 3.7 million youth in the U.S. growing up with LGBTQ+ parents are now at even more risk of discrimination and mistreatment.
To help parents working to ensure their children feel supported in school, we talked with our friends at the Youth Action Board of COLAGE. Read what they had to say today!
Additional resources for supporting students from our partners
The National Education Association’s Resources for Creating Welcoming and Empowering Schools
The Trevor Project’s “Creating Safer Spaces in Schools for LGBTQ+ Youth”
The Movement Advancement Project’s State-by-State Map of LGBTQ+ School Laws
Student and GSA Resources from GLSEN
Resources for LGBTQI+ Students from the Department of Education
Looking for support on your family’s school journey?
Family Equality hosts a virtual peer group every third Thursday of the month for LGBTQ+ parents navigating school-related challenges! Register today to receive log-in information.