SAGA Sexuality and Gender Alliance November 13, 2017

Learning Targets By the end of this presentation you should be able to: Know the rights of all your students, especially your LGBT students. Learn how to initiate a conversation with your LGBT students about sensitive topics. Be aware of the resources available to you and your students.

(Sexuality and Gender Alliance) What is SAGA? (Sexuality and Gender Alliance) A club based on inclusiveness and education about the LGBT community Formerly the Gay-Straight Alliance

Using norms helps ensure all students feel safe to share their thoughts and ideas and helps with classroom management. Calling a student by their preferred name is a small way to make a big impact on a student's life.

Breaking Stereotypes Not all transgender individuals are gay or lesbian. There are more than two genders. Someone’s sex does not equal their gender. Not everyone will fit into one gender or sexuality category. Being feminine does not mean you are “gay.” Having short hair does not mean you are a lesbian.

Acts & Laws that support your LGBT students Under California law, transgender and gender non-conforming students are protected from being expelled, kicked out of class, or treated differently because of their gender identity and/or expression. AB 537 protects students against discrimination and harassment at all California public schools and any school receiving state funding.

Acts & Laws that support your LGBT students SB 71 requires that all sex education instruction and material be appropriate for use with students of all races, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and students with disabilities. FAIR Education Act mandated inclusion of people with disabilities and LGBT community in history and social studies lessons.

Don’t allow students to use homophobic slurs How to be an Ally Be supportive! Recognize that ALL IDENTITIES are valid, ask questions or do research if you don’t understand. Don’t allow students to use homophobic slurs For example, using the word gay to put someone or something down.

Be there for the LGBT community when they need a hand. How to be an Ally (Cont.) Be there for the LGBT community when they need a hand. Continue to provide a safe space for your students (Safe Space stickers are available) Trying to use neutral labels like “partner” and “significant other”

What you can do in the classroom? Use gender-neutral pronouns. “It is their turn to present” “You can hand the hall pass to them” Be open to calling students their preferred name. Avoid assuming certain things (clothes, mannerisms, interests) are “boy” or “girl” specific. Avoid splitting the class into girls and boys. LGBT inclusive curriculum. Include LGBT books, figures, etc. Allow students to do projects on LGBT topics Freedom has lgbt books

Important Dates March 31- International Day of Transgender Awareness April 27th - Day of Silence May 17th- International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia June- Pride Month Oct- LGBTQ History Month Oct 11- National Coming Out Day Nov 20- Transgender Day of Remembrance

Want to Learn More??? GLSEN (LGBT issues in K-12 education) PFLAG (Uniting LGBT individuals with their friends, families, and communities) The Trevor Project (Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention to LGBTQ youth) GSA Network (A youth leadership organization that connects GSAs to each other and community resources)

Thank you for listening! Grab a brochure and ask any questions you might have!