#safe schools

What are we really protecting kids from?

AN OPEN LETTER to STATE GOVERNORS & LEGISLATURES (ALASKA ONLY)

Out-ing Minority Students to Their Abusers - Safeguards needed in HB 382

I am writing to express my profound concerns regarding the proposed HB 382 legislation: Out-ing Minority Students to Their Abusers, which aims to involve parents in the education process but may inadvertently expose vulnerable LGBTQ+ students, and others, to harmful environments. As any survivor of domestic violence is acutely aware; ensuring the safety and well-being of all students is paramount, especially those from marginalized communities. While I acknowledge the intention behind HB 382, it is crucial to consider the potential for misuse of this legislation, which would further exacerbate the already high rates of harm and mortality among LGBTQ+ youth. Therefore, I call you to incorporate additional safeguards into the bill to protect the privacy and safety of these students, or alternatively, reject the bill entirely to rework it with the safety of ALL students prioritized. Specifically, measures must be implemented to ensure that information about a student's gender identity and romantic interests is not disclosed without their explicit consent to anyone. The goal of our education system should be to foster an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their personal demographics. By prioritizing the privacy and safety of vulnerable students, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and grow without fear of discrimination or harm. I urge you to consider these concerns and take action to protect the rights of students in Alaska. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Protect the privacy of all students! We’re so pro-life; we’ll martyr our queer! Safeguards needed in HB 382!

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LGBTQ+ Books for the 2018-2019 School Year

By Sara Schmidt-Kost

The start of the new school year is upon us, and as such, it’s a good time for educators, families, and students to update their libraries with both fiction and non-fiction books. It is so important to keep our classroom libraries stocked with all types of diverse books to give our students the opportunity to see themselves and their families in the stories that they read. So if you’re a teacher gearing up for the school year ahead, I hope you consider adding any and all of these to your classroom bookshelves!  

Elementary Fiction - Reading Level Pre-K - 5

Heather Has Two Mommies A classic children’s book about a young girl with two moms.

And Tango Makes Three Another classic children’s book about two male penguins who adopt an orphaned baby penguin.

Red: A Crayon’s Story A story about a blue crayon with a red wrapper that doesn’t know what it should be.

King and King A book about a Prince who decides he’s not interested in marrying a Princess, but instead longs for another Prince to marry.

Worm Loves Worm A children’s book about two genderless worms who decide to get married, but who will wear the tux and who will wear the dress?

I Am Jazz A children’s book about a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who helped write the book.

George A chapter book about a transgender child who dreams of playing a girl in the school play. (Read our own review of it here!)

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher A chapter book about a family with two dads, and four adopted sons, each with their own interests, and a school year of hilarious and unexpected adventures.

Secondary Fiction - Reading Level 6 - 12+

These three are classic stories of coming out and teenage love for lesbian and bisexual women.

Empress of the World

Annie on My Mind

Keeping You a Secret

These three books are stories of coming out and teenage love for gay men.

Will Grayson Will Grayson

Rainbow Boys

Boy Meets Boy

These three books are about trans or gender non-conforming teenagers.

I Am J

Parrotfish

Luna

Non-Fiction for Students

Who Are You? The Kid’s Guide to Gender Identity Drawn like a story book, this non-fiction book helps younger children understand gender identity and expression.

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag This book chronicles the true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the United States, and Gilbert Baker, the designer of the pride flag.

Gay & Lesbian History for Kids: The Century-Long Struggle for LGBT Rights An easy-to-read textbook-style history book for kids about LGBT history with pictures and activities.

Queer: A Graphic History This non-fiction graphic novel chronicles queer theory and history in an engaging way for older students.

Queer, There, and Everywhere An illustrated collection of profiles of queer historical figures for middle to high school readers.

Being Jazz: My Life as a Transgender Teen The memoir of Jazz Jennings, YouTuber and trans teen.

Non-Fiction for Educators

One Teacher in Ten A collection of short stories by and for LGBTQ+ Teachers.

A Queer History of the United States A must-read to understand the history of queer people in the United States, and why it hasn’t been included in textbooks and taught in history class.

School’s Out: Gay and Lesbian Teachers in the Classroom This book explores how queer teachers struggle to reconcile their classroom persona and their personal identities.

We hope you have an exciting school year ahead!!

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