Education
All children deserve to learn and grow in an environment that welcomes and affirms who they are and what their families look like. But, in recent years, we’ve witnessed a growing number of legislation that prohibits the mere mention of LGBTQ+ topics or characters in classrooms and libraries, prevents transgender youth from playing on teams that reflect their gender identity, and more.
These pieces of legislation reflect a larger issue in schools. Together with GLSEN and COLAGE, our recent study of the experiences of youth with LGBTQ+ parents and caregivers in schools shows that an overwhelming majority of student participants reported feeling excluded from a school or classroom activity because of having an LGBTQ+ parent or caregiver. A large majority — over two thirds of student participants — reported being verbally harassed at school because of having an LGBTQ+ parent.
With LGBTQ+ youth and families being targeted in schools, Family Equality is focusing on advancing policies that promote inclusion and prevent discrimination while pushing back against policies that erase LGBTQ+ individuals and their contributions in the classroom and on the field.
Current work
Protecting your family with Title IX
Throughout the second Trump Administration,we’ve seen alarming moves to roll back protections for LGBTQI+ students and families. Policies like Title IX, which exist to safeguard our rights and protect our children, are suddenly up for debate, leaving many parents and educators alike scrambling to understand how to protect the people we love. While this moment feels incredibly disheartening, Family Equality knows there’s power in information. Read our update for more.
School resources
Discover a treasure trove of resources designed to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and promote inclusivity within schools. From educational materials that delve into books to practical guidance on creating safe and affirming spaces, we’ve got you covered.
Taking action against book bans
States across the country have recently introduced “book bans,” policies that mandate the removal of books from classrooms and libraries. Many of these books contain material about race, gender, and sexuality. For concerned parents, teachers, and students, there are ways to take action.
