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LGBTQ+ Support & Inclusion

LGBTQ+ Programming at DC Public Schools
LGBTQ+ Liaison Program
Leading with Pride
Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Policy Guidance
OUT for Safe Schools Badges
Resources for Students
Resources for Parents/Caregivers
Resources for DCPS Staff Members
Requesting LGBTQ+ Support and/or Resources

 

LGBTQ+ Programming at DC Public Schools

DCPS is working to make schools safe and inclusive for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ+) students, staff, and families. Research shows that the way schools and families respond to LGBTQ+ youth can affect their physical health, mental health outcomes, academic outcomes, and their decision-making later in life. As part of a plan to create an inclusive community, DCPS has, and continues to:

  • Train school liaisons on how to build an inclusive and welcoming school community by implementing programming to support LGBTQ+ students, staff and families (i.e., support groups such as Gender Sexuality Alliances (GSA));
  • Develops and distributes clear guidance for schools in supporting transgender and non -binary members of our school community;
  • Sponsors an annual “Leading With Pride” conference to increase networking, and build the leadership capacity of our students and faculty advisors to implement school-level LGBTQ programming;
  • Consults with and provides support to individual school communities to ensure our DCPS schools are safe, supportive, and welcoming environments for all students—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; and
  • Engages with students, staff, and families to provide support and resources that will enhance awareness of LGBTQ+ identities, orientations, and expressions. 

Our Commitment to LGBTQ+ Support and Inclusion

The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), a public education institution and subject to the laws and regulations of the District of Columbia (DC), requires DCPS staff to fully comply with DC mayoral directives and legislation. To that end, schools shall refrain from censure of educational and social opportunities that affirm, support, and/or acknowledge gender identity, gender diversity, and sexual orientation. Non-discrimination and inclusionary practices are protected by and enshrined within the DC Human Rights Act of 1977. Additionally, educational, and social opportunities related to LGBTQ+ support and inclusion shall be age-appropriate and aligned with learning standards, where applicable.

 

Additional Related Resources:

Read DCPS’ Plan to Create an Inclusive School Community here.
 

LGBT+ Liaison Program

LGBTQ+ Liaisons are visible allies to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning students, staff and families in the school community. LGBTQ+ Liaisons continue to find ways to support students, staff and families and facilitate safe learning environments for all. Support for LGBTQ+ Liaisons continues throughout the duration of the school year with ongoing training opportunities and connections with community resources through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Adolescent School Health 1807 Grant.

Additional Related Resources:

Read the role description for LGBTQ Liaisons here.

 

Leading with Pride

Leading With Pride is an annual conference of GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance) club members, faculty advisors and unaffiliated LGBTQ-identifying students from across DC. DCPS partners with area agencies and community organizations to host this event. Check here for more information.

 

Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Policy Guidance

DCPS has developed the DCPS Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Policy Guidance, which is intended to be a tool for schools, parents, and students to effectively navigate existing laws, regulations and policies that support transgender or gender-nonconforming DCPS students. It provides guidance to ensure that all students are treated equitably and with dignity at school.

Additional Related Resources

Download the DCPS Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Policy Guidance.
Download the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Policy Brochure.
Print the LGBTQ Resources for Families brochure.

 

OUT for Safe Schools Badges

DCPS joined nine other school districts nationwide to launch the OUT for Safe Schools badge initiative. The OUT badges aim to create visible adult allies to enhance the support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth who continue to experience disproportionate health outcomes including higher rates of depression, suicide, homelessness, and STI/HIV infection. The badges also feature local and national resources available to all. These badges are available to DCPS staff members who have completed LGBTQ+ training and have signed a pledge attesting to their ability to be a safe, supportive, and affirming ally to LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families.

 

Additional Resources for Students

 

Additional Resources for Parents and Caregivers

 

Additional Resources for DCPS Staff

 

Requesting LGBTQ+ Support and/or Resources

The DCPS LGBTQ and Sexual Health Program is here to support you. Whether you are requesting a training for your school staff or PTO group, would like assistance establishing a GSA, would like to make us aware of non-inclusionary practices in your school community, or want to grow your awareness of LGBTQ+ identities, orientations, and expressions, we are here to help. You can reach us by email at:

[email protected]. You can also find us @DCPS.LGBTQ on Instagram and Facebook. 

Contact Information

Miriam Kenyon, Director, Health and Physical Education

Wesley Thomas, Manager, LGBTQ & Sexual Health Program

Adalphie Johnson, Specialist, LGBTQ & Sexual Health Program

Sulianie Mertus, Analyst, LGBTQ & Sexual Health Program Evaluation