![Updated pride hero](https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-hmhco-vmg-craftcms-public/_transforms/seo/_large/LGBTQ-educational-resources-for-teachers-HERO.png)
This Pride Month, prioritize making your classroom or school inclusive for all students, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Below is a series of LGBTQ+ educational resources to help you create a more equitable environment by understanding the challenges these students face and recognizing the need to have difficult but necessary conversations. Every student, especially the most vulnerable, should feel safe and welcomed.
Jamie Kubiak, a high school chemistry teacher at Park East High School in New York, shares six strategies to create a warm and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students.
![Pride flag](https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-hmhco-vmg-craftcms-public/_transforms/seo/_large/pride-flag.png)
Pronouns in the Classroom
When speaking with your students, avoid reinforcing the gender binary—the concept that "boy" and "girl" are the only two gender options. Doing so can unintentionally offend or harm members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Instead of This, Do This
The chart below, adapted from Kubiak, offers examples of language you can use when teaching to ensure your queer students feel welcomed in the classroom.
Instead Of... |
Do This! |
Saying "ladies and gentlemen" or "boys and girls" |
Say "scientists," "mathematicians," "historians," "students," "everyone," or anything nonbinary |
Assuming gender identity and misgendering with incorrect pronouns |
Ask students for their gender pronouns. Keep the students' needs at the center of the conversation |
Separating by gender or into "boys vs. girls" |
Randomize groups differently |
Saying "guys" to mean everyone |
Say "everyone," "y'all," or "you all" |
Making assumptions about a student's identity |
Behave like there are LGBTQ+ students in your room/school, because there are! |
***
Student Pronoun Survey
At the beginning of the school year, you may consider surveying students about their gender pronouns and current family situations. The survey below for students each fall was adapted from an example provided by Kubiak. Use this survey as a reference when creating your own, but be sure to personalize your survey to meet your specific needs!
![Screen Shot 2021 06 02 at 11 06 56 AM](https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-hmhco-vmg-craftcms-public/_transforms/blog/_xlarge/Screen-Shot-2021-06-02-at-11.06.56-AM.png)
***
Email Signatures
You can show support for LGBTQ+ students, including the transgender and non-binary communities, by including your gender pronouns in places such as your email signature and social media channels. Kubiak provides the example below.
![Email signature2](https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-hmhco-vmg-craftcms-public/_transforms/blog/_xlarge/email-signature2.png)
Interview: LGBTQ+ Support in Schools
Hear directly from a member of the LGBTQ+ community on Shaped.
In this episode of our Teachers in America podcast series, we are joined by the first transgender state teacher of the year, Owen Bondono. Hear about the importance of communities and how to support LGBTQ+ youth.
![Hero Banner](https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-hmhco-vmg-craftcms-public/_transforms/seo/_large/Hero-Banner.png)
LGBTQ+ Literature
Learn from members of the LGBTQ+ community who have shared personal memories and insights through literature.
Discover LGBTQ+ authors and books in history from the 19th century through today.
![Lgbtq authors books 6699dd8b7813014bf9718f78f267b2d1](https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-hmhco-vmg-craftcms-public/_transforms/blog/_large/lgbtq-authors-books_6699dd8b7813014bf9718f78f267b2d1.jpeg)
Take a look back in history at Jan Morris, who in 1974 stunned the literary world by publishing the first mainstream memoir about being transgender.
![Conundrum Cover2 4c284b73b1b0834026b992b9ac93d6bd](https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-hmhco-vmg-craftcms-public/_transforms/blog/_large/Conundrum-Cover2_4c284b73b1b0834026b992b9ac93d6bd.jpeg)
Help students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community have a safe, supportive space by hosting a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) club.
![How to start gay straight alliance hero image 85cab6aa25ee358f8b9ee45ba7a4bd78](https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-hmhco-vmg-craftcms-public/_transforms/blog/_large/how-to-start-gay-straight-alliance-hero-image_85cab6aa25ee358f8b9ee45ba7a4bd78_210601_191239.jpeg)
More LGBTQ+ Teacher Resources
Have any more LGBTQ+ resources for teachers to ensure you support all students in your schools? Email us at shaped@hmhco.com or reach out on Twitter (@HMHCo).
Download our FREE calendar of activities!