Advocacy: LGBTQ+ Students’ Rights and Support

Support FHPS Action believes every student has the right to a safe and supportive K-12 school environment that is LGBTQ+ inclusive. Schools should work to create a welcoming and non-judgmental space for LGBTQ+ students, which in turn creates a safe, affirming school for all students where they are free to thrive socially and academically.  

Unfortunately, not enough schools are truly LGBTQ+ inclusive. Too many students still face harassment and discrimination every day. This is against the law, and if you go to a public school, it’s also against the Constitution. 

As an LGBTQ+ Student at FHPS, you have the right:

  • You have the right to be out and proud, when and how you choose. You also have the right to keep your gender identity and sexual orientation private. Your school can’t out you—even to your parents—without a strong justification.

  • You have the right to dress, use school restrooms and changing rooms, and participate in sports and other activities according to your gender identity. If you’re not a boy or a girl and there are only boys’ and girls’ options, you have the right to say which option is most appropriate for you.

  • You have the right to express your identity through speech and clothes and to speak about your beliefs. As long as you’re following school rules and not harassing others, your school can’t single you out (solely) because you’re LGBTQ+.

  • You have the right to date who you want, regardless of gender, and go with your date to school events. Your school can’t treat you different than other couples because you’re LGBTQ+.

  • You have the right to form a GSA (Gay Straight Alliance or Gender Sexuality Alliance) or other any other type of LGBTQ+ student-focused club and have it be recognized the same as any other groups recognized by your school.

  • You have the right to be called by the name and pronouns that match who you are in every aspect of the school day. Your school is responsible for stopping harassment, including if someone intentionally misgenders you.

  • Take notes of any incident of harassment. Put your school on notice right away that it has to protect you.

First talk to your principal or another official if you experience any problems at school, then reach out for help:

(adapted from GLSEN.org)

LGBTQ+ Student Support

Support FHPS would like to see the following changes made by the district for the support, safety, and success of our LGBTQ+ students:

  1. Implement LGBTQ+ affirming policies 

    1. Harassment, bullying, and non-discrimination policies

    2. Policies for facilities accessibility for trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary students

    3. Policies affirming trans and gender non-conforming students’ participation in athletics

    4. FHPS adopts a Non-Binary and Transgender Policy for District (example)
      Model Local Education Agency Policy on Transgender and Nonbinary Students

  2. Adopt Inclusive Curriculum: research shows that LGBTQ students who attend schools with curriculum that is inclusive of LGBTQ people, history, and events experience a better school climate and improved academic outcomes.

  3. Develop Supportive Educators through GLI Training

  4. Support student-led clubs that advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion

  5. Allow staff to include pronouns in their email signatures

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