Back-to-School Special: School Resources for LGBT Parents

Many of us are busy this week buying new lunchboxes, pencils, sneakers, and knapsacks for our school-bound broods. Equally helpful may be some of these school-related resources for LGBT parents. (You can also find most of these links, along with other good stuff, in my resource directory):

[Update: Please see the 2016 list for the latest resources and links.]

Building inclusion and understanding:

Opening Doors: Lesbian and Gay Parents and Schools (PDF) A lengthy (31-page) booklet for parents and educators. From the Family Pride Coalition.
Back to School: Building Family Equality in Every Classroom (PDF) A short brochure for parents. From the Family Pride Coalition
Evaluating Schools How to determine if a school is LGBT friendly. From the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
Advice on school-related topics at Answers from Abigail, by Abigail Garner.
Be and Ally & Friend guide, including information on Teen & Student Allies and the concise 10 Ways to Be an Ally and a Friend. From the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

School safety:

All Families Welcome: Making Your School Safe for Students with LGBT Parents (PDF) A short brochure from NCLR and the California Safe Schools Coalition.
Tips for Making Classrooms Safer for Students with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Parents Includes a glossary of terms to share with educators and other allies. From Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE).
Safe Schools Resources From Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
School Safety Resources What to do if your child has been the victim of harassment or discrimination, or has in any other way had his or her education interfered with because of your sexual orientation. From HRC.

Also useful are the general resources of:

Gay Lesbian Straight Alliance Network Ensuring safe schools for all LGBT students.
Gay-Straight Alliance Network A California-focused, youth-led organization that connects school-based Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to each other and community resources.

Finally, for anyone homeschooling or considering it: