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LGBTQ+ Support & Protection

Defending the Freedom of our LGBTQ+ Students to be Themselves
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.

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

Learn about federal protections for public school students and employees, the threats posted by state legislation, and more in our FAQ.
Explore the guide
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NEA LGBTQ+ Trainings

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
Supreme Court Building

Your Rights under SCOTUS's 2020 Bostock Ruling

In 2020, the Supreme Court announced that federal law protects LGBTQ employees—including educators—from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Educator rights Student rights
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Creating an Inclusive Space

Learn about your rights, and get tips for avoiding controversy while decorating your classroom, school bus, and other workspaces.
Learn more
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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.
Browse titles
A woman holds a small whiteboard with a message inviting people to share their pronouns

A Guide to Pronouns

Use this guide to better understand and use pronouns in a respectful way at school and in the community.
Download it

Art to Share

Art is a powerful tool for change. The following artwork can be used for creative and social media content, visuals, public messages, calls to action, spokesperson materials, and more.
Say Gay Poster
Say Gay Poster

Trans human rights poster
Trans human rights poster

Safe Schools Everywhere poster
Safe Schools Everywhere poster

From our Partners

Pride Wins Watch

Watch

Documentaries and videos about the future we can create for and with the LGBTQ+ community.
Leading for Change: Achieving LGBTQ Equity and Inclusion in our Schools by the Human Rights Campaign The new short documentary from Imara Jones, “The Future of Trans” TransLash Media “The Future of Trans” Documentary Shows the World Transgender People Deserve Teen Vogue
Human Rights Campaign Pride Inside logo

Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ+ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law.
HRC Welcoming Schools Program COVID Resources
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The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project’s mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ young people.
The Coming Out Handbook Resources for Mental Health Support
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GLSEN

GLSEN works at the federal, state, and local levels to advance intersectional equity for LGBTQ+ youth in K-12 education systems.
Resources GLSEN Navigator – Map of national policy landscape Improving School Climate for Transgender and Nonbinary Youth
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NQAPIA

The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance empowers LGBTQ+ Asians and Pacific Islanders through community capacity building, policy advocacy, and resource development.
Visit their site
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Lambda Legal

Lambda Legal represents LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV in the court of law and in the court of public opinion.
Students Speech Rights at School Know Your Rights for Educators Safe, inclusive schools
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National Black Justice Coalition

NBJC’s mission is to end racism, homophobia, and LGBTQ/SGL bias and stigma.
Resources for students, educators and allies The Words Matter HIV Stigma Toolkit Words Matter Gender Justice Toolkit

Speak Up For Students and Public Schools

When we act together and lift our voices together in unison, we can improve the lives of children.
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Together, we will claim victories for public education

Join thousands of your fellow Oregon educators in contributing monthly to OEA-PAC and make your voice heard!
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Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education

The Oregon Education Association (OEA) is a union committed to the cause of providing the basic right of great public education to every student. OEA represents about 41,000 educators working in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public schools and community colleges. OEA’s membership includes licensed teachers and specialists, classified/education support professionals (ESPs), community college faculty, retired educators, and student members. OEA members also belong to the 3.2 million members of the National Education Association (NEA).
About us
Join OEA

The Oregon Education Association is a state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

Learn more at NEA.org