It’s that time again! Here are some of my best tips for LGBTQ parents with kids in school; LGBTQ-inclusive, school-related book recommendations; and my updated annual resource list about creating welcoming schools, developing inclusive curricula, supporting LGBTQ youth in sports, countering book bans, and more.
These three pieces encapsulate many of my thoughts and (I hope) offer some useful advice and inspiration. (Some were written many years ago; my son is now in college.)
- “Back-to-School Tips for LGBTQ Parents: 2023“
- “4 Things LGBT Parents Can Do to Prepare Our Children for the School Year“
- “Back-to-School ABCs for LGBTQs“
Also of interest might be:
- “What LGBTQ Families Should Know for Back-to-School Time,” my 2022 interview of Family Equality Chief Policy Officer Shelbi Day and Director of Education Law & Policy, Senior Policy Counsel Nikhil Vashee. I particularly appreciate Vashee’s assertion, “Your family has nothing to be ashamed of, and your children deserve the right to learn and grow in a classroom that affirms their family composition no matter what.” (Disclosure: Since the time I interviewed them, I have become an unpaid member of the Family Equality Communications Committee.)
For book recommendations, check out:
- My recent post on “4 New LGBTQ-Inclusive Picture Books for Back to School.”
- Last year’s roundup of some of my favorite LGBTQ-inclusive picture books with school themes, often revolving around a first day of school. You can also filter my Database of LGBTQ Family Books by the “School” tag to find additional titles.
- The excellent recent book for grown-ups, The Advocate Educator’s Handbook: Creating Schools Where Transgender and Non-Binary Students Thrive (Jossey-Bass), by Vanessa Ford and Rebecca Kling, and my interview with the authors.
- More LGBTQ-inclusive books for ages 0-12 and for parents and caretakers in my full Database of LGBTQ Family Books.
For even more resources, below is a categorized list of links to external sources that I hope offer even more useful information. Links will appear below the categories after you click.
I wish you and your children a happy and safe school year, full of learning, friendship, and fun.
This resource list is incredibly valuable for creating inclusive and supportive school environments for all students. It’s great to see so many materials and tips for parents, educators, and students to help make this school year welcoming and affirming. The section on anti-bullying and legal/policy updates is particularly helpful for staying informed.
For others who have used these resources, what have you found most impactful for your school community? Are there additional resources or tips that have worked well for fostering inclusivity?