General Resources:
Here are some resources that can be used across grade levels!
Build your knowledge & understanding:
- Here is a pronouns guide, that includes both why they matter and how to use the correct ones.
- Here is a resource to learn more about gender identity, and how to treat transgender people with respect.
- This resource from Outright Vermont includes inclusive terms and definitions.
- Examine your potential biases by taking the Harvard-based Project-Implicit Test. Choose the "Sexuality" and/or "Transgender" IAT ("Implicit Association Test") in the menu.
How to create safe, brave, and affirming classrooms, libraries, and schools:
- Welcoming Schools is an organization that provide LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive professional development training, lesson plans, booklists and resources specifically designed for educators and youth-serving professionals.
- The Safe Zone Project (SZP) is a free online resource providing curricula, activities, and other resources for educators.
- This page from Accredited Schools Online includes many resources for learning how to create an inclusive classroom for your students. The website has information about LGBTQIA+ inclusive curricula, helpful and inclusive terms that you should know, and how to be an ally with your students.
- Activities, steps, and tips to look at school climate through professional development resources curated by Learning for Justice.
- Learning for Justice's LGBTQ Best Practices guide has teaching resources, over 60 lessons, webinars, downloadable posters, and more.
- Here is a list of Agency of Education Best Practices FAQ from Outright Vermont.
- Here is an article with 5 things you can do to support your LGBTQIA+ Students.
- Gender Spectrum includes many general inclusivity resources that you can find by category.
Be an ally to LGBTQ+ youth:
- GLSEN's "Safe Space Kit" includes concrete strategies to support students, educate about anti-LGBTQ bias, and advocate for school change. Download their extensive and highly informative printable guide.
- GLSEN's "Libraries as Safe Spaces" has resources for creating welcoming libraries for LGBTQ+ learners, including a Safe Space Toolkit
- Find allies in your community and in your school. "Teen & Student Allies" from GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (n.d.)
- Take Action: Stand Up Against Hate and Violence | Sign this pledge to support LGBTQ+ students and educators.
Get connected to the best of the best local & national organizations:
- Outright Vermont is a great organization with lots of resources available to learn more about LGBTQIA+ inclusivity. We partnered with Outright to prepare for the inservice presentation.
- Strong Family Alliance is an important resource for caregivers/parents/adults. Family member oriented and great for all who love kids in identity transformations.
- Here is a resource center created by the organization Trevor Project. Resources include gender identity, sexual orientation, and other subjects. It also includes important resources for youth at risk of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or actions.
- This is the Vermont Department of Health’s page: “LGBTQ+ Community”.
- NEAEdJustice.org is a place to learn more, get resources, and stay connected with how educator activists are working for social, racial, and education justice in our schools and communities.
A curated selection of articles, podcasts, videos and more:
- Here is an article from The Atlantic: “Is Defying Parents the only Ethical Alternative?”
- Watch the "Improving Your Diversity IQ" TEDx Talks Video
- Watch the "Importance of Queer Allyship in the Classroom" on TedTalks.
- Read "Nothing About Us Without Us is For Us" to better understand the journey of how one transgender student went from almost being pushed out of school to becoming a youth activist.