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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.
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
Viewing: Toolkit Section Title

Stand Against Hate and Bias

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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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A Guide to Pronouns

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

From our Partners

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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.
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The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project’s mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ young people.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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National Black Justice Coalition

NBJC’s mission is to end racism, homophobia, and LGBTQ/SGL bias and stigma.

Use Your Educator Voice.

We are THE voice for educators in Vermont. See what membership can mean for you!
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Together we're stronger. Together we're heard.

You belong in the movement! Join today to belong to the movement of educators and school staff fighting for the pay and working conditions we all deserve.
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The Union of Vermont Educators

The Vermont-National Education Association is the union of Vermont educators, 13,000 professionals who teach the state's children every day. As the state's largest union, Vermont-NEA is proud to represent the people who make a difference in the lives of students in classrooms across Vermont.