LGBTQ+ at School

Over the course of my career, I've been lucky enough to work with all kinds of spectacular kids. At one school I had the opportunity to be the adult in charge of supervising the Rainbow Alliance [sometimes known as a GSA - a Gay-Straight Alliance] - a safe space for kids of all walks of life to be themselves and work on advocacy projects/learning of their choosing. They were so inspiring with their activism and passion.

My goal is to remember and honor all of my former students, by helping to create a school environment that is welcoming and safe for everyone, including students, staff, parents, and community members that are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and so on. I want everyone to feel included in our community. (Yes, I've worked with students, as young as elementary-school, questioning these big concepts or wanting to be allies to their LGBTQ friends!) Below are some resources to help families to discuss these topics. If you need some help or want additional resources related to a specific topic, let me know, or come join me at a Jeffco Safe Schools Coalition meeting to learn more!

• GLSEN [pronounced "glisten"] is a resource network that works to provide current tools, materials, and lessons about LGBTQ topics to educational communities.
• NASP is the professional organization that I am certified through. They have a page of publications dedicated to the LGBTQ community. Follow the link to read about their position statement on how to make schools safe for everyone.
• JSSCo is a parent-run group that partners with educators/district staff, JCEA union reps, community members, and students on how to create a safe and inclusive school environment for all. Their focus is primarily LGBTQ topics, but they work to support diverse populations of all types too! (I've linked to their website, but you can also check out their facebook page here.)