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Home , Adela Vazquez, Cleo Manago, Gabby Rivera, Gender transitioning, Jack Nichols (activist), Jazz Jennings

APPENDIX BEST PRACTICES FOR SERVING LGBTQ STUDENTS A Teaching Tolerance Guide TEACHING TOLERANCE APPENDIX A THE LGBTQ LIBRARY Books and Films for You and Your Classroom

This list of books and films—with options for Annie’s Plaid Shirt students of all ages and reading levels—offers by Stacy B. Davids a good starting place for educators who need Annie’s mom demands her daughter wear to diversify their curricula and classroom li- a dress to her uncle’s wedding. But Annie is braries. And, because adults need windows miserable, and feels weird wearing dress- and mirrors too, the list includes profession- es. So she has a better idea. This book will al development options that can broaden encourage students to consider your understanding of LGBTQ history and norms, and possibly rethink the boundaries lived experiences. of personal expression. & History for Kids: The Cen- tury-Long Struggle for LGBT Rights Note: This is intended as a resource, and by Jerome Pohlen all books were chosen for their reported This interactive book—complete with 21 value in providing diverse perspectives activities for kids—highlights LGBTQ indi- and representation of LGBTQ characters. viduals who shaped world history. But Teaching Tolerance has not read ev- ery book in this catalogue; educators Heather Has Two Mommies should vet any chosen books carefully by Lesléa Newman before using them in the classroom. This updated version of the 1989 book of the same name simply and beautifully illus- trates the diverse range of families young ELEMENTARY SCHOOL readers can have and appreciate. And Tango Makes Three by Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthel by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell This book—based on Jazz’s real-life experi- This true story about two penguins, Roy ence—offers a simple, clear window into the and Silo, at the Central Park Zoo who cre- life of a girl who knew her true ated a nontraditional family offers a heart- self from a young age. warming look at the boundless definitions In Our Mothers’ House of family and love. by Patricia Polacco Antonio’s Card/La Tarjeta de Antonio Marmee, Meema and the kids cook dinner by Rigoberto González together, laugh together and dance togeth- This bilingual book written in English and er. But some of the other families don’t Spanish follows Antonio, a boy searching accept them—they say they are different. for the words to express his love for his These two moms teach their children the mother and her partner Leslie (who his true meaning of family. classmates make fun of) on Mother’s Day.

FILM/DOCUMENTARY

TEACHING TOLERANCE Introducing Teddy: A Gentle Story about book offers the perspective of supportive Gender and Friendship seeing their daughter marry the by Jessica Walton she loves. After a few days of feeling down, Teddy re- Our Family: A Film About Family veals to Errol that she feels more like a girl from Not In Our Town and than a boy. Her fear of speaking up is quick- Our Family Coalition ly turned into self-confidence as Errol and This documentary features elementary stu- his friend embrace the newly named Tilly dents’ insights about , just the way she is. featuring a diverse range of answers and Jacob’s New Dress identities. An extensive K–5 instruction- by Sarah and Ian Hoffman al guide accompanies the film, providing Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can ready-to-use materials such as discussion be anything he wants to be. This heart- outlines and lesson plans. warming story speaks to the unique chal- Prince and Knight lenge faced by boys who don’t identify with by Daniel Haack traditional gender roles. In this modern fairy tale, a noble prince and a Mommy, Mama, and Me and brave knight come together to defeat a terri- Daddy, Papa, and Me ble monster and in the process find true love. by Lesléa Newman Red: A Crayon’s Story These books follow toddlers who spend by Michael Hall the day with their two moms and two dads, A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as “red” respectively. suffers an identity crisis. No matter how Morris Micklewhite and the hard he and everyone around him tries to Tangerine Dress make him red, he can’t do it. This book is by Christine Baldacchino about his journey to find the courage to be Morris is a little boy who loves using his true to his inner self. imagination. But most of all, Morris loves Is a Funny Word wearing the tangerine dress in his class- by Cory Silverberg room’s dress-up center. This book can help Less controversial than its title suggests, early readers understand and value peers this comic book for kids includes children whose may differ from and families of all makeups, orientations cultural norms. and gender identities, providing an es- One of a Kind, Like Me/Único Como Yo sential resource about bodies, gender and by Laurin Mayeno sexuality for young children that will help Tomorrow is the school parade, and Danny caregivers guide difficult conversations. knows exactly what he will be: a princess. Stella Brings the Family And his family is going to help him do it. by Miriam B. Schiffer Written in English and Spanish. Stella’s class is having a Mother’s Day celebra- Our Daughter is Getting Married tion, but what’s a girl with two daddies to do? by Gail Heath In this sweet story, Stella finds a unique solu- From Teaching Tolerance Advisory Board tion that illustrates the true meaning of family. Member Gail Heath, this rhyming picture

LGBTQ BEST PRACTICES The Best MIDDLE SCHOOL by Richard Peck This story about small-town life, gay mar- A Place in the Middle: riage and everyday heroes follows Archer, a The True Meaning of Aloha boy nearing adolescence and trying to un- This documentary short by Dean Hamer and derstand his male role models and adults Joe Wilson tells the story of a school in Ho- in general. This book features a gay teacher nolulu, Hawaii, that is demonstrating respect who outs himself to combat anti-gay bully- for and inclusion of gender-fluid students. ing in the school. Also suitable for high school. The Family Book Better Nate Than Ever by Todd Parr by Tim Federle This book introduces readers to a diverse This novel follows Nate Foster, who has range of families, encouraging them to em- always dreamed of starring in a Broadway pathize with peers who may have single show. But he lives in Jankburg. So when he parents, same-sex parents, other relatives sees an open casting call, he plans a daring raising them or any number of supposedly overnight escape to New York. This book “nontraditional” homes. contains a subplot about a teenager who is This Day in June questioning his . by Gayle E. Pitman Bullied: A Student, a School and a This book offers young readers a celebra- Case That Made History tory look at the LGBTQ community, invit- This Teaching Tolerance documentary ing them to experience a Pride celebration. chronicles one student’s ordeal at the hands This book includes facts about LGBTQ of anti-gay bullies and offers an inspiring mes- history and culture, as well as discussion sage of hope to those fighting harassment to- guides for parents, caregivers or educators. day. Our film kit includes a viewer’s guide with Who Are You?: ’s Guide to Gender standards-aligned lesson plans and activities. Identity Double Exposure by Brook Pessin-Whedbee by Bridget Birdsall This brightly illustrated children’s book This novel follows 15-year-old Alyx, who provides a straightforward introduction to was born and, at first, raised as a for early readers, and it in- boy and bullied. When she gets to start her cludes a guide for adults to help them field life over in Milwaukee, she finds her place questions and facilitate conversation. on the girls’ varsity basketball team, only to Worm Loves Worm then face a rival who tries to subvert Alyx’s by J.J. Austrian happiness, and her identity. When a worm meets a special worm and Drama they fall in love, they decide to get married. by Raina Telgemeier But their friends want to know: Who will This graphic novel focuses on Callie and the wear the dress? And who will wear the tux? dramatic (in more ways than one) produc- The answer is: It doesn’t matter. Because tion of a middle school play. The book also worm loves worm. happens to feature openly gay characters, worked seamlessly into the plot without their identity being a crisis point.

TEACHING TOLERANCE From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun intersex teens. Readers explore the com- by Jacqueline Woodson plexities of gender identity and growing up Melanin Sun is close to his mom. But when through Krissy, who is dealing with her an- she tells him she’s gay—and that her girlfriend drogen insensitivity syndrome diagnosis. is white—he becomes angry and scared. What Also suitable for high school. will his friends think? Can his mom’s girl- Not Your Sidekick friend truly be family? This novel explores by C.B. Lee the intersections of family, race and sexuality Perfect for students looking for a fun, extracur- through a compelling young man’s voice. ricular read, this book tells the story of Jessica Gracefully Grayson Tran—a , Asian-American protagonist. Jes- by Ami Polonsky sica was born to parents, but has no This book offers the beautifully written powers herself. When she spites her parents by perspective of Grayson, a transgender girl taking an internship, she finds herself in danger. who feels she must keep her identity a se- Pride: Celebrating Diversity and Community cret. An unexpected friendship and a caring by Robin Stevenson teacher’s wisdom help her find courage. This youth-friendly book celebrates the Growing Up Trans diverse and vibrant LGBTQ community, This PBS Frontline documentary of- while explaining what Pride is, who cele- fers a look at the choices families must brates it and why it came to be. make when the biological sex and gender Real Talk for Teens: Jump-Start Guide to identity of their child do not match. The and Beyond film’s website features short, topical arti- by Seth Jamison Rainess cles that accompany the film—perfect for This powerful book offers transgender classroom use. Also suitable for high school. teens and their families, teachers and LGBTQ+ Athletes Claim the Field: Striving friends suggestions for navigating transi- for Equality tions in a safe, healthy and inclusive way. by Kirstin Cronn-Mills and Alex Jackson Nelson So Hard to Say This nonfiction book chronicles the strug- by Alex Sanchez gles and triumphs of athletes across the This novel follows Frederick, a question- LGBTQ spectrum, offering inspiration to ing youth dealing with the attention of an queer student-athletes who may feel they interested girl while he can’t stop thinking don’t fit the mold. about his soccer teammate. A relatable sto- Lily and Dunkin ry for adolescents trying to figure out their by Donna Gephart feelings, and a window into that process for This book chronicles the transformative straight students who may not understand. friendship between Lily Jo McGrother and The House of Hades Dunkin Dorfman, a transgender girl and a by Rick Riordan boy who has bipolar disorder. This fourth book in the famous Percy Jack- None of the Above son series (Heroes of Olympus) features by I. W. Gregorio Nico, who comes out as gay. This represents This book gives voice to an identity group a rare example of a widely read, popular se- not often heard in young adult literature: ries including an out queer character.

LGBTQ BEST PRACTICES The House You Pass on the Way As I Descended by Jacqueline Woodson by Robin Talley This novel tells the story of 14-year-old Stag- A lesson on Shakespeare’s Macbeth can be gerlee—the child of a black father and white made more accessible with a cross-compari- mother living in the rural South. Through son to this modern retelling, featuring school her connection to her aunt, Trout, Stagger- power couple Maria Lyon and Lily Boiten. lee explores the intersections of family, race, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets sexuality and loneliness in a nuanced way. of the Universe The Lotterys Plus One by Benjamin Alire Sáenz by Emma Donoghue Two Mexican-American teens—Aristotle “Once upon a time, a man from Delhi and Mendoza and Dante Quintana—are trying to a man from Yukon fell in love, and so did grow up in El Paso, Texas, and figure out the a woman from Jamaica and a Mohawk world beyond it. For “Ari,” this includes grap- woman.” These couples co- seven pling with approaching manhood, his culture children in a fun-filled story featuring a and his increasing awareness of his sexuality. perfectly imperfect modern family. Also Bait suitable for upper-elementary students. by Alex Sanchez The Misfits series When he punches a guy for looking at him by James Howe funny, Diego lands in juvenile court. Only These books that inspired No Name-Call- when Diego starts to open up to Mr. Vidas ing Week follow Bobby, Joe, Addie and does he discover that the source of his anger Skeezie, best friends experiencing middle is buried in his past. school and . These books tackle Beautiful Music for Ugly Children growing up gay, interracial relationships, by Kirstin Cronn-Mills queer identity and more. Gabe hosts a show on 90.3 KZUK—one of the The Other Boy rare spaces he can be himself. In waking life, by M. G. Hennessey he’s forced to go by Elizabeth, faces bully- This novel follows Shane Woods, a 12-year- ing and his family will not acknowledge his old boy who loves pitching for his baseball identity. As he says: “Elizabeth is my A side, team, working on his graphic novel and the song everybody knows, and Gabe is my hanging out with his best friend, Josh. When B side, not heard as often, but just as good.” his secret—that he was assigned at Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen birth—comes out, he finds acceptance from by Jazz Jennings people he feared wouldn’t understand. In this memoir, Jazz Jennings reflects on HIGH SCHOOL what it’s like to be a public face for trans- gender youth. Almost Perfect Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens by Brian Katcher Speak Out When Logan discovers that his love inter- by Susan Kuklin est, Sage, is a transgender girl, he lashes out. This book contains six intimate interviews His regret of this act—and Sage’s journey— with transgender or gender-neutral young informs a sensitive, accessible look at what adults, offering unique insight into their it means to be a transgender teen.

TEACHING TOLERANCE perspectives of gender, family dynamics, Fingersmith transitioning and more. by Sarah Waters Boy Robot Set in Victorian Era Britain, this thriller by Simon Curtis follows the story of Sue Trinder, an orphan Seventeen-year-old Isaak discovers the truth who becomes a petty thief. Her complicated about his origin: he’s a government-made ro- relationship with Maud—a wealthy woman bot and marked for termination. In a quest to who falls for Sue—leads to a climactic dou- fight against a secret government organiza- ble-crossing, and a stint in the asylum. tion, he finds a male love interest along the way. How Many Letters Are In Goodbye Chulito: A Novel by Yvonne Cassidy by Charles Rice-González Rhea lost her arm in a childhood accident, Set against a vibrant South Bronx neighbor- and has since lost her mother. Experiencing hood and the queer youth culture of Man- homelessness in , she writes hattan’s piers, Chulito is a coming-of-age, letters to her late mother, exploring her love story of a tough, hip-hop- fears, her secrets, and her confusion and loving, young Latino man and the colorful pain around accepting her sexuality. characters who populate his block. I Am J Deep Run by Cris Beam Frameline’s Youth in Motion collection This novel follows J, a transgender boy of features many films from a diverse range of Jewish and Puerto Rican descent. After he LGBTQ lived experiences. One such film is is deserted by his best friend, J decides he is Deep Run, an intimate documentary featur- done hiding his true identity from his fami- ing Cole Ray Davis’s life in rural North Caro- ly and friends—no matter the cost. lina, where his identities as a and I Am Not Your Negro undocumented immigrant cause tension in This documentary by Raoul Peck his quest for faith, work, acceptance and love. brings the final writings of James Bald- Fade to Black win—a prolific and openly gay writer—to by Alex Flinn life for today’s audiences. Latino and HIV-positive, Alex Crusan faces If I Was Your Girl a lot of isolation and cruelty at school. But by Meredith Russo when someone shatters his windshield with In this award-winning novel, Amanda Har- a baseball bat and injures him, the school dy is the new girl in school with a secret: At blames Alex’s bully, who is given a glimpse her old school, she used to be Andrew. But at the pain of isolation and assumptions. when she falls for Grant, she finds herself Fat Angie wanting to share her truth with him—and by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo finds herself fearing the repercussions. This novel is a coming-of-age story about If You Could Be Mine a teenage girl who’s bullied for keeping to by Sara Farizan herself, being quiet and being obese. With Seventeen-year-old Sahar is in love with the help of a girl named KC Romance, she her best friend, Nasrin. But Iran is a dan- begins to see value in herself. gerous place for two girls in love. This novel explores the intersections of cultural ex-

LGBTQ BEST PRACTICES pectations, sexuality and gender expres- spell to rid herself of her bruja powers. But if sion as Sahar considers undergoing sex re- backfires. Her whole family vanishes into thin assignment to preserve the relationship. air. The quest to get them back follows Alex, a I’ll Give You the Sun bisexual protagonist, in a story steeped with by Jandy Nelson Latinx-American culture and magic. Two twins—Noah and Jude—serve as the Major! narrators for this book about two insepara- This documentary celebrates and ble siblings who grow apart when puberty chronicles the work of Miss Major Grif- hits. Later, when tragedy strikes, they find fin-Gracy, an activist and veteran of the themselves competing for the same boys, riots in New York City. This in- the same art schools and forgiveness. cludes her fight to speak up for trans peo- Jaya and Rasa: A Love Story ple—especially trans women of color—who by Sonia Patel faced unfair treatment in prison. Due to Seventeen-year-old trans boy Jay Mehta is subject matter and strong imagery, choosing Indian, born of wealth and privilege. Rasa classroom-friendly clips is recommended. Santos, like many in Hawaii, is of mixed Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine ethnicity, the daughter of an absent moth- This is a documentary about Matthew er. Neither have known love or family—un- Shepard, the gay young man who was tor- til they meet each other. tured and murdered in one of the most no- Juliet Takes a Breath torious hate crimes in recent U.S. history. by Gabby Rivera Directed by one of his close friends, the film From GLSEN Youth Programs Manager revisits the case with never-before-seen pho- Gabby Rivera comes a story about Juliet, tos, rare video footage and new revelations. who is still trying to figure out the inter- Maurice sections of her identity as a Puerto Rican by E. M. Forster lesbian from . In a tumultuous Published posthumously, Forster’s novel summer in Portland, Oregon, she discovers follows Maurice from school to adulthood in other writers of color, love, family, friends early 20th century Britain. The book serves and self-esteem. as an indictment of the legal and social codes Kiki at the time, as Maurice struggles to recon- This documentary follows seven char- cile his feelings with his fear of being gay in a acters from the Ballroom scene in New country that deems his love illegal. York City. These young LGBTQ youth-of- Middlesex color speak about their art, homelessness, by Jeffrey Eugenides illness and at a moment when Calliope Stephanides’ transition from Cal- Black Lives Matter and lie to Cal begins with the realization that are in the headlines. For classroom pur- he is intersex—one of the many surprises poses, it may be best to select clips of inter- he uncovers about his family history that views rather than screen in full. spans from Mount Olympus to Detroit. Labyrinth Lost Winner of the 2003 Pulitzer Prize. by Zoraida Córdova At her Deathday celebration, Alex performs a

TEACHING TOLERANCE Money Boy individuals—and you’ve never heard of many by Paul Yee of them. Prager’s nonfiction book begins This novel follows a young immigrant in to fill that gap of knowledge with this book Canada who is struggling to navigate his in- about forgotten but rich queer heritage. tersecting identities of being Chinese, gay Raising Zoey and an immigrant. Thirteen-year-old Zoey wants noth- More Happy Than Not ing more than to simply go to school, learn by Adam Silvera and be a kid. But as a transgender teen, it’s Struggling to cope with his father’s suicide, not that simple. This documentary chron- 16-year-old Aaron Soto finds happiness and icles her fight—alongside the ACLU—to safety when he’s around Thomas, who’s new self-identify at school, despite the bullying to the Bronx. But facing backlash—internal and endless teasing from both students and and external—Aaron considers a memo- school officials. ry-altering procedure to forget his feelings. Saving Alex Not Otherwise Specified by Alex Cooper and Joanna Brooks by Hannah Moskowitz “When I was fifteen, I told my Mormon par- Etta struggles to mesh her identities with ents I was gay, and that’s when my night- what seem like narrowly defined groups in mare began.” This nonfiction, first-person her hometown. As a black, bisex- narrative tells the story of Alex Cooper, who ual young woman recovering from an eat- was held captive in an unlicensed conver- ing disorder, she navigates issues of bipho- sion therapy boot in Utah. bia, race, mental health and bullying as she Skim looks to live beyond labels that don’t fit. by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki October Mourning: A Song for This graphic novel covers a gamut of heavy teenage issues in its telling of Kimberly by Lesléa Newman “Skim” Keiko Cameron’s story. With her Matthew Shepard was savagely killed in school in mourning after a recent suicide— 1998, becoming a martyr and face of an- and her mind in overdrive as she crushes on ti-bullying and gay rights. This stunning her female teacher—Skim navigates her in- cycle of 68 poems chronicles his final mo- tersectional identity, cliques and first love. ments and pays tribute to him. Stonewall: Breaking Out in the Fight for Queens of Geek Gay Rights by Jen Wilde by Ann Bausum Three friends, two love stories, one conven- This nonfiction book provides a teen friendly tion: this fun love letter to geek culture is all history of the and the nation- about fandom, friendship and finding the al LGBTQ rights movement that followed. courage to be yourself. Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda Queer, There, and Everywhere: 23 People by Becky Albertalli Who Changed the World Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Si- by Sarah Prager mon Spier prefers to save his drama for the World history has been made by countless school musical. But when an email falls into lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being

LGBTQ BEST PRACTICES thrust into the spotlight. This book inspired ded life in Paris, featuring artistic luminaries the major motion picture Love, Simon. such as Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway and Sister Outsider Henri Matisse. by Audre Lorde The Color Purple A quintessential collection of speeches and es- by Alice Walker says on race, sexuality, gender and society, fea- This classic Pulitzer Prize- and National turing the words of a woman at the forefront Book Award-winning book tells the story of of contemporary and understand- two sisters—one a missionary in Africa and ing . This collection features the other a child wife living in the South—who appropriate excerpts for high school students. keep connected across time and distance. Some Assembly Required: The Not-So- The story features intimate portraits of a les- Secret Life of a Transgender Teen bian relationship and fluid sexual identities. by Arin Andrews The Gender Quest Workbook: A Guide In this memoir, Arin Andrews details the for Teens and Young Adults Exploring journey that led him to make the life-trans- Gender Identity forming decision to undergo gender reas- by Rylan Jay Testa, Deborah Coolhart signment as a high school junior. He speaks and Jayme Peta to the challenges he faced, the humiliation This book incorporates skills, exercises and ac- and anger he felt after getting kicked out of tivities from evidence-based therapies to help private school, and transitioning. young people address the broad range of strug- Symptoms of Being Human gles they may encounter related to gender by Jeff Garvin identity, as well as explore the concepts of gen- On the advice of a therapist, Riley starts an der, gender identity and gender expression. anonymous blog to vent those pent-up feel- The God Box ings and tell the truth of what it’s really like to by Alex Sanchez be a gender-fluid teenager. But just as Riley’s Paul, a religious teen living in a small con- starting to settle in at school, the blog goes servative town, meets Manuel—a young viral, and an unnamed commenter discovers man who says he’s both Christian and gay, Riley’s real identity, threatening exposure. two things that Paul didn’t think could co- Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel exist in one person. This novel offers a com- by Sara Farizan passionate look at the intersections of faith As an Iranian-American, she’s different and sexuality. enough; if word got out that Leila liked girls, The Imitation Game: Alan Turing Decoded life would be twice as hard. But when Saskia by Jim Ottaviani shows up, Leila starts to take risks she never This biography and graphic novel tells the thought she would. This book gives students story of mathematician and scientist Alan a nuanced look at issues of family, religion, Turing, whose work saved countless lives sexual orientation and cultural expectations. during World War II. This book details his The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas life as an unconventional genius who was ar- by Gertrude Stein rested and punished for being openly gay and Written under the guise of her lover’s voice, whose work still impacts the modern world. Stein’s book chronicles the couple’s star-stud-

TEACHING TOLERANCE The Price of Salt, or Carol by Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic by Patricia Highsmith Theater Project Originally published under the author’s This play—based on interviews conducted pseudonym of Claire Morgan, this novel was in Laramie, Wyoming, in the aftermath of revolutionary upon its release in 1952, due the murder of Matthew Shephard—por- to exploring a lesbian relationship and offer- trays what happens when a small town ing a happy (or at least, non-tragic) ending. becomes the scene of a and its The T Word citizens have to reckon with the horror that Presented by , this docu- has happened. mentary from MTV and Logo TV details the The Left Hand of Darkness lives of seven ranging in by Ursula K. Le Guin age from 12 to 24 and offers a call to action: a An ambassador is sent to Winter, a world call for complete justice, respect and inclusion. without sexual prejudice, where the inhabi- The Year We Thought About Love tants can change their gender whenever they This documentary celebrates the pow- choose. His goal is to facilitate Winter’s in- erful work of a Boston LGBTQ youth the- clusion in an intergalactic civilization. To do atre troupe as they transform their person- so he must bridge the gulf between his own al struggles into theater for social change, views and those of the culture he encounters. and write a play about love. The Lost Prayers of Ricky Graves Unbecoming by James Han Mattson by Jenny Downham A heartbroken and humiliated Ricky Graves In this multigenerational novel, Katie took the life of a classmate and himself. For starts putting together the life story of her those closest to the tormented killer, shock grandmother who has dementia. As a re- and grief have given way to soul searching. sult, she begins to understand her mother’s The Necessary Hunger behavior, her sexuality, the future and her by Nina Revoyr younger brother. Nancy Takahiro and Raina Webber are bas- Under the Udala Trees ketball rivals. But when their parents move by Chinelo Okparanta in together, and the girls fall in love, things Ijeoma comes of age as her nation does. get complicated as Nancy and Raina navi- Born before independence, she is 11 when love in an L.A. neighborhood experi- civil war breaks out in the young republic of encing racial tension between Asian Amer- Nigeria. When she falls in love with another icans and . girl from a different ethnic community, Ije- The Porcupine of Truth oma learns that she may have to hide this by Bill Konigsberg part of herself. The author of Openly Straight returns Vanilla with an epic road trip that forces protago- by Billy Merrell nist Carson Smith to confront issues of his This novel chronicles the twists and turns of the family history, gay history, race and religion emotional chemistry between a high-school- during a summer spent in Montana. age gay couple. An ingenius work of prose poet- ry, this story realistically captures the internal

LGBTQ BEST PRACTICES worlds of adolescents as they inquire into gay, Village, Harlem, France and beyond to pres- asexual and nonbinary identities. ent the intersections of gender, race and sex- We Are the Ants uality among a group of friends in the 1970s. by Shaun David Hutchinson Much of James Baldwin’s catalogue serves Henry has spent years being periodically ab- as necessary reading for educators hoping ducted by aliens. Then the aliens give him an to elevate queer voices in their curriculum, ultimatum: The world will end in 144 days, and understand the intersectional perspec- th and all Henry has to do to stop it is push a big tive of queer people of color in the 20 Cen- red button. In the wake of family struggles tury, who faced and self-po- and his boyfriend’s suicide, Henry decides licing. Excerpts of Baldwin’s work could be he needs to think about it—scientifically. appropriate for high school students. Weird Girl and What’s His Name Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza by Meagan Brothers by Gloria Anzaldúa In rural Hawthorne, North Carolina, Rooted in Gloria Anzaldúa’s experience as a 17-year-olds Lula and her gay friend Rory Chicana, a lesbian, an activist, and a writer, share everything—including that feeling the essays and poems in this volume pro- that they don’t quite fit in. When a schism foundly challenged, and continue to chal- comes between them, Lula questions her lenge, how we think about identity. own sexual orientation and identity, and Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic runs away to find her mother—and answers. by Alison Bechdel When the Moon was Ours This memoir and graphic novel offers a by Anna-Marie McLemore darkly funny family tale, marked by gothic Through magical realism and metaphorical twists, a family funeral home, sexual angst prose, this book follows the relationship and great books. An often challenged book, between Miel, a Latina girl, and Sam, a Pa- but excerpts may be appropriate for high kistani trans boy. The book navigates the school classrooms. intersections of their identities and how it Gender Diversity and LGBTQ Inclusion in forces them to interact with their world. K–12 Schools: A Guide to Supporting Stu- Will Grayson, Will Grayson dents, Changing Lives by John Green and David Levithan This collection of essays—which includes Two teens with the same name meet in a chapter by TT Grants Coordinator Jey . With alternating narrators, this Ehrenhalt—offers tips for creating an book gives both of their perspectives. Will LGBTQ-inclusive environment, curricu- Grayson 1 is the only straight male in the lum and pedagogy at the elementary, mid- Gay Straight Alliance; Will Grayson 2 is bat- dle and high school levels. tling depression and coming to terms with GSA Advisor Handbook being gay. Once they meet, they change Published by the National Association of each other’s lives. GSA Networks, this guide gives current and future GSA advisors tips on establishing PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT and maintaining a strong alliance for queer Another Country students and allies. by James Baldwin LGBTQ Voices in Education: Changing the This novel spans the settings of Greenwich Culture of Schooling

TEACHING TOLERANCE Emphasizing socially just curricula, sup- information. This book tries to counter this portive school climates and transformative trend, featuring essays and oral history in- educational practices, this book is designed terviews of 14 Latinx activists. to help educators find the inspiration and Reading the Rainbow: LGBTQ-Inclusive support they need to become allies and ad- Literacy Instruction in the Elementary vocates for queer students. Classroom Living Out Islam: Voices of Gay, Lesbian by Caitlin L. Ryan and Jill M. and Transgender Muslims Hermann-Wilmarth by Scott Siraj al-Haqq Kugle Drawing on examples of teaching from ele- This book documents the rarely heard voices of mentary school classrooms, this timely book Muslims who live in secular democratic coun- for practitioners explains why LGBTQ-in- tries and who are gay, lesbian and transgender. clusive literacy instruction is possible, rele- My New Gender Workbook: A Step-by-Step vant and necessary in grades K–5. Guide to Achieving World Peace Through Readings for Diversity and Social Justice Gender Anarchy and Sex Positivity With full sections dedicated to , by Kate Bornstein , hetereosexism, transgender op- Using a workbook format, complete with pression and other topics, this bestselling, quizzes, exercises and puzzles, Bornstein updated text remains a trusted, leading an- gently but firmly guides readers toward dis- thology of social justice issues. covering their own unique gender identity. Ready, Set, Respect!: GLSEN’s Elementary Not Straight, Not White: Black from School Toolkit the March on Washington to the AIDS Crisis This resource from GLSEN provides K–5 by Kevin J. Mumford teachers with tips for creating a more inclu- Examining the lives of both famous and lit- sive environment and lessons aligned with tle-known black gay activists—from James Common Core States Standards. Baldwin and Bayard Rustin to Joseph Safe is Not Enough: Better Schools for Beam and Brother Grant-Michael Fitzger- LGBTQ Students ald—Mumford analyzes the ways in which by Michael Sadowski movements for social change both inspired This book highlights how educators can make and marginalized black gay men. their schools more supportive of LGBTQ stu- Out & Allied: An Anthology of Perfor- dents’ positive development and academic mance Pieces Written by LGBTQ Youth success, using examples from classrooms, and Allies schools and districts across the country. This collection offers both student voices and Stepping Up!: Teachers Advocating for Sex- action steps for facilitating dialogue within ual and Gender Diversity in Schools families, schools, organizations and faith-based by Mollie V. Blackburn, Caroline T. Clark and communities about LGBTQ youth and allies. Ryan Schey Queer Brown Voices: Personal Narratives Building on interviews with parents, stu- of Latina/o LGBT Activism dents, teachers and administrators, this Histories of LGBTQ activism in the 1970s, book offers concrete examples of advocacy '80s, '90s and beyond often reduce the role and creating welcoming classroom climates that Latinx people played, resulting in mis- for LGBTQ and gender diverse youth.

LGBTQ BEST PRACTICES Blues cludes a contextualizing of fascinating queer by Leslie Feinberg history, as well as detailed suggestions as to This novel follows Jess Goldberg, who navi- how those histories can be presented in the gates the complexities of being transgender classroom, including assignments. in the mid-20th century. Though some of : My Life in the Movement the language has since become outdated, it by remains a seminal work. Jones chronicles the heartbreak of losing The Death and Life of countless friends to AIDS; his co-founding Marsha P. Johnson of the AIDS Foundation; his This documentary—with never-before-seen conception of the AIDS Memorial Quilt; footage and rediscovered interviews— and stories from San Francisco told from a searches for the truth behind the mysteri- friend of and himself a hero to ous 1992 death of black transgender activist the LGBTQ community. and Stonewall veteran Marsha P. Johnson, a Whipping Girl: A Woman on name that belongs in any survey of LGBTQ Sexism and the of history and activism. by Trans*: A Quick and Quirky Account of Lesbian transgender activist and biologist Gender Variability Julia Serano shares her experiences and by Jack Halberstam observations—pre- and post-transition—to Halberstam explores the recent shifts in the reveal the ways in which fear, suspicion, and meaning of the gendered body and repre- dismissiveness toward femininity shape sentation in a book that blends academic re- our societal attitudes toward trans women. search with popular culture trends to imag- ine a more inclusive understanding of gender. Understanding and Teaching U.S. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and This book is designed to help university and high school teachers integrate queer histo- ry into their curriculum. The anthology in-

For shorter, classroom-ready texts reflecting LGBTQ history and lived experiences, visit tolerance.org/classroom-resources/texts and filter for Topic: Gender & .

TEACHING TOLERANCE APPENDIX B LGBTQ HISTORICAL FIGURES

The erasure of LGBTQ figures from our histo- Jane Addams (1860–1935) ry books and classrooms does a disservice to Founder of the Hull House—a settlement students on three fronts: 1) It introduces house in Chicago—and pioneering social into our studies, providing an incomplete and worker and women’s suffragist. unfair portrait of our past; 2) It strips LGBTQ Alvin Ailey (1931–1989) students of role models and precedent, leaving A pioneer of modern dance who founded the them to feel disconnected from past and pres- Alvin Ailey Dance Theater of New York City. ent, and less capable of making history; and 3) It takes away possibilities for students to envi- Edward Albee (1928–2016) sion a happy, thriving adult life for themselves. The author of The Sandbox and Who’s Afraid Instead, they see blankness, nonexistence, of Virginia Woolf, he won two Tony Awards for conformity or invisibility—a void of potential Best Play and three Pulitzer Prizes for Drama. life purpose that can increase suicide risk. Alexander the Great (356–323 B.C.) As Emery Grant—the director of com- A king of Macedon—a Greek kingdom that munity engagement at Stonewall National stretched into parts of modern-day India Museum and Archives—says, “When those and northern Africa. students see the full spectrum of possibili- Reinaldo Arenas (1943–1990) ties for themselves, that affirmation helps Cuban writer who would become known as a them to take their identities more seriously. rebel and prisoner of the Communist Cuban It helps them and their peers to take LGBT government led by , advocating identities more seriously.” for Cubans’ freedom and other Cuban writ- For educators looking for a place to start— ers who had come to America until his death. or looking for LGBTQ figures to plug into existing curriculum—this list offers the sim- plest first step. This list is not exhaustive, but There is a difficulty in discussing histor- highlights LGBTQ people who belong in any ical queer figures. It can be tempting to place labels on people who—depend- discussion of their respective time periods. ing on their era and social norms at Daayiee Abdullah (1954– ) the time—may never have used those One of two openly gay Imams in the world, labels on themselves. This requires nu- a gay Muslim activist who performed same- ance, and care. While it may be appro- sex weddings and led prayers for victims of priate to discuss the queer themes in an AIDS when few would. artist’s work and author’s words, or to (1962– ) discuss known queer relationships and South African activist and filmmaker who rebellions against gender norms, it’s has championed access to HIV/AIDS med- less appropriate to put modern labels ication, LGBTQ-inclusive policies, and eco- on a person posthumously, or speculate nomic and racial equity. beyond the evidence.

LGBTQ BEST PRACTICES Howard Ashman (1950–1991) rights; the first black president of the Gay Song lyricist and playwright whose best- Activists Alliance. known songs were featured in the Disney Glenn Burke (1952–1995) films The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Major League Baseball player who is often Beast, and Aladdin. credited for “inventing” the high five. Francis Bacon (1561–1626) Lord Byron (1788–1824) A pioneering figure of empiricism and the English politician and poet known for such scientific method who also held influence works as “Don Juan” and notable figure in as an important political figure and philos- the Romantic movement. opher during the English Renaissance. Caravaggio (1571–1610) James Baldwin (1924–1987) Italian painter of the Baroque movement An author and essayist whose work often known for such paintings as The Calling of addressed racism, sexuality, class and ineq- Saint Matthew. uities in the . Albert Cashier (1843–1915) Tammy Baldwin (1962– ) An Irish immigrant—born Jennie Irene Wisconsin senator and first out lesbian/ Hodgers—and veteran of the American Civ- LGBTQ community member elected to the il War, serving in a regiment under General U.S. Senate. Ulysses S. Grant’s Army of the Tennessee. Natalie Clifford Barney (1876–1972) (1981– ) American writer whose openly lesbian poet- A former army officer who helped -co found ry represented some of the first well-known the organization Knights Out and became descriptions of same-sex attraction since a leading voice in calling for the repeal Sappho. Her Paris salon attracted a Who’s of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and the right of Who of literary figures and artists. Her life LGBTQ military personnel to serve openly. inspired the novel, The Well of Loneliness. (1927–1986) Katharine Lee Bates (1859–1929) An attorney who served as Joseph McCa- American poet and songwriter famous for rthy’s chief counsel during the penning the words to “America the Beautiful.” and Scare in the United States Joseph Beam (1954–1988) post World War II. An activist, poet and writer whose works Tim Cook (1960– ) provided an intimate portrait of what it CEO of Apple Inc. and the first Fortune 500 meant to be a black gay man during the chief executive to identify publicly as a gay man. AIDS epidemic. His 1986 anthology “In the Life” collected works from black gay writ- Roberta Cowell (1918–2011) ers in order to promote pride and represen- A racecar driver, World War II veteran, pilot, tation for people like him. businessperson and transgender woman. Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986) Laverne Cox (1972– ) French writer of such works as The Second Sex LGBTQ advocate and American actress and a key figure in modern feminist thought. and the first transgender woman to earn a Primetime Emmy nomination. Mel Boozer (1945–1987) An activist for racial equity and LGBTQ

TEACHING TOLERANCE Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1651–1695) Barney Frank (1940– ) From what we now know as Mexico, a nun, Represented Massachusetts in the U.S. House playwright and famous poet of the Latin of Representatives from 1981 to 2013, cham- American colonial era. pioning many civil rights initiatives and chair- Countee Cullen (1903–1946) ing the House Financial Services Committee. American poet and key figure of the Frederick the Great (1712–1786) Harlem Renaissance. King of Prussia during the Seven Years’ War Patrisse Khan-Cullors (1984– ) and Prussia’s Enlightenment. Queer activist and co-founder of the Black Alicia Garza (1981– ) Lives Matter movement. Activist, writer and co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement. Chevalier d’Éon (1728–1810) French soldier and spy who fought in the (1932–2007) Seven Years’ War. An LGBTQ activist who, among many good works, helped lead the charge to remove Angela Davis (1944– ) the stigma of classifying as a Scholar, author and famous activist with mental illness. ties to the Black Panther Party and former member of the Communist Party USA. Miss Major Griffin-Gracy (1940– ) Known for her work combating racial in- The executive director for the Transgen- equality and the prison-industrial complex. der Gender Variant Intersex Justice Proj- ect, Griffin-Gracy is a transgender activist, Ellen DeGeneres (1958– ) Stonewall Riots participant and advocate Comedian, actress and TV host who became for prison reform. the first openly gay actress to play an openly gay character on network television in 1997. Angela Weld Grimké (1880–1958) Playwright, journalist and poet of the Har- Marie Equi (1872–1952) lem Renaissance. Her play, Rachel, was Doctor and activist who served poor pa- written for the NAACP in response to D.W. tients in the early American West. Advo- Griffith’s Birth of a Nation, and served to cated for women’s and labor rights, raise awareness of racial violence perpe- among other causes. trated against black people. Emily Dickinson (1830–1886) Steve Gunderson (1951– ) An iconic American poet who lived in Outed on the House floor, Gunderson was Massachusetts. the first openly gay representative to rep- Lili Elbe (1882–1931) resent the Republican party, and famous- A transgender woman and painter whose life ly stood alone among his party in voting inspired the novel (and film), The Danish Girl. against the Defense of Act. Laura Esquivel (1950– ) Mabel Hampton (1902–1989) Considered “La Madre” of the Latinx A dancer during the Harlem Renaissance LGBTQ movement, she co-founded the and openly lesbian LGBTQ rights activist. Latino(a) Lesbian and Gay Organiza- Lorraine Hansberry (1930–1965) tion (LLEGÓ), marched alongside César Author of A Raisin in the Sun and the first Chávez, and advocates for labor and immi- black woman to have a play she wrote per- gration rights.

LGBTQ BEST PRACTICES formed on Broadway, Hansberry also advo- John Maynard Keynes (1883–1946) cated for human rights as a journalist. Influential British economist who inspired (1912–2002) modern macroeconomics theory known as A gay rights pioneer—and controversial fig- Keynesian economics. ure due to his communist views—who found- Josef Kohout (1915–1994) ed the to liberate gay Holocaust survivor and author of The Men people from and discrimination. With the —perhaps the best- Langston Hughes (1902–1967) known testimony of the treatment of queer A poet, social activist and prominent figure people by Nazi Germany. in the Harlem Renaissance. Lady Chablis (1957–2016) King James VI and I (1566–1625) A pioneering and performer, Served as King of Scotland and King of known for her role in Midnight in the Gar- England in the 16th and 17th centuries; the den of Good and Evil. namesake of the King James Bible. Edmonia Lewis (1844–1907) Marsha P. Johnson (1945–1992) An Oberlin College-educated, black and Native A trans woman and activist who was on the American sculptor of the Neoclassical move- frontlines of the Stonewall Riots in 1969. ment who achieved international renown. Barbara Jordan (1936–1996) Audre Lorde (1934–1992) The first black woman from a southern state A poet, civil rights activist and feminist elected to Congress, as well as the first black per- whose philosophy on intersectional iden- son (and woman) to serve as a keynote speaker tities still influences feminist and progres- for the Democratic National Convention. sive ideology today. (1926–1989) Phyllis Lyon (1924– ) and Del Martin A singer and actress who became one of the (1921–2008) first known people to undergo surgical sex A lesbian couple that founded the Daughters reassignment. of Bilitis—the nation’s first political organi- zation for —and the first to have their Mychal Judge (1933–2001) marriage officially recognized in . A Catholic priest and the New York City Fire Department’s chaplain at the time of Monica Márquez (1969– ) the September 11 attacks. Judge died while The first openly gay Latina justice on the administering prayers and aid in the North Colorado Supreme Court. Tower lobby. Yukio Mishima (1925–1970) Frida Kahlo (1907–1954) Japanese writer, filmmaker, actor and na- A Mexican artist whose work explored as- tionalist. His literary influence led to a na- pects of identity, race, class and colonialism. tional award named in his honor. Founded a right-wing militia that attempted a coup to (1925–2011) restore the Emperor to the status held pre- Astronomist, activist and gay rights lobbyist who World War II. was the first openly gay man to run for a seat in U.S. Congress. He took part in the first demon- Harvey Milk (1930–1978) stration for gay rights outside the White House. An activist and first openly gay elected of- ficial in California history, Milk was assas-

TEACHING TOLERANCE sinated in 1978 by a fellow San Francisco Alfred Redl (1864–1913) city supervisor. A pioneer in espionage techniques and Aus- (1983– ) trian military officer whose sexuality may Bestselling author, writer, TV host and have been used as blackmail to coerce him transgender rights activist. into becoming a Russian spy. Pauli Murray (1910–1985) Renée Richards (1934– ) A civil rights activist, lawyer, priest and writer, Professional tennis player and transgen- Murray fought for gender and racial equali- der woman, she won the right to play in the ty across disciplines and set precedent that 1976 US Open in a case that went to the New would be used by future judges to rule against York Supreme Court. Later coached tennis school segregation and gender discrimination. legend Martina Navratilova. Alice Dunbar Nelson (1875–1935) Sally Ride (1951–2012) A Harlem Renaissance figure, suffragist, An American astronaut and the first Ameri- activist, poet and journalist who contrib- can woman in space. uted to and co-edited several progressive Sylvia Rivera (1951–2002) black publications. A founding member of the Gay Activists (1938–2005) Alliance and Front, Rivera Co-founder of the Mattachine Society of Wash- was a gay and transgender activist on the ington (alongside Frank Kameny) and promi- frontlines of the Stonewall Riots. nent gay liberation activist post-Stonewall. Marty Robinson (1943–1992) Tseko Simon Nkoli (1957–1998) An activist and organizer who developed An internationally celebrated South Afri- the “zap” protest in the immediate after- can anti- and gay rights activist. math of the Stonewall Riots; a founding member of GLAAD. Zazu Nova (dates unknown) A trans woman of color in the frontlines of V. Gene Robinson (1947– ) the resistance at the Stonewall Riots, Nova The only openly gay man to become a bish- advocated for LGBTQ youth and co-found- op in the Episcopal Church. ed Gay Youth to provide them a safe space. Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) Jean O’Leary (1948–2005) A human rights activist, former United Na- Activist, founder of the Lesbian Feminist tions official and former First Lady of the Liberation and co-founder of National United States. Coming Out Day. Bayard Rustin (1912–1987) Ozaawindib (dates unknown) An integral figure of the civil rights movement A warrior of the Ojibwe tribe and niizh and one of the fiercest advocates for nonvio- manidoowag, or two-spirited person. lent protest and resistance, and later in life, an openly gay advocate for LGBTQ rights. “Ma” Rainey (1886–1939) The “Mother of the Blues” and pioneering Deborah Sampson (1760–1827) recording artist. An early Massachusetts citizen who posed as a man to fight in the American Revolu- John Rechy (1931– ) tionary War. Mexican-American writer known for the bestselling novel, City of Night.

LGBTQ BEST PRACTICES Sappho (~630–580 BC) tives, Takano is the first openly gay person A celebrated Greek lyric poet from the is- of color to serve in congress. land of Lesbos, whose work famously de- Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) picted same-sex love. Russian composer of Swan Lake and José Julio Sarria (1922–2013) The Nutcracker. The founder of the Imperial Court Sys- James Tinney (1942–1988) tem—a large, grassroots LGBTQ rights or- A scholar, minister, speechwriter and How- ganization—and the first openly gay man to ard University professor, Tinney founded run for public office in the United States. Faith Temple, a church for black queer peo- Pierre Seel (1923–2005) ple, as well as the Pentecostal Coalition for A gay survivor of the Holocaust who brave- Human Rights. ly testified to the horrific treatment of gay Alan Turing (1912–1954) people in the concentration camps. A British mathematician and pioneering Barbara Smith (1946– ) computer scientist whose codebreaking An activist, leading black feminist, author saved countless lives during World War II. and co-founder of the Combahee River Col- Jose Antonio Vargas (1981– ) lective, an organization who pioneered use An immigration rights activist, award-winning of the term “intersectionality.” journalist and founder of the nonprofit, Define Bessie Smith (1894–1937) American. Born in the Philippines, Vargas is Influential music artist known as the undocumented, but identifies as American. “Empress of the Blues.” Adela Vázquez (1958– ) Stephen Sondheim (1930– ) A transgender activist, writer and perform- An American composer whose work has major- er from who sought asylum during a ly influenced the musical theater scene; he has time of political uprising in 1980. won eight Tony Awards spanning five decades. Bruce Voeller (1934–1994) Gertrude Stein (1874–1946) A biologist and gay rights activist who origi- A bestselling American writer and art col- nated the term “acquired immune deficien- lector whose Paris salon became a social cy syndrome” (AIDS) to counter homopho- hotspot for modernist writers and artists. bic names for the disease. Co-founded and Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben served as director for the National Gay Task (1730–1794) Force, which organized the first meeting A Prussian-born American military officer, between openly LGBTQ leaders and the serving during the Revolutionary War as White House. a major general of the Continental Army. Stanisława Walasiewicz (1911–1980) Known for implementing drills and order An intersex woman and track icon some- into the Continental Army, he would later times known as Stella Walsh, she was an become General George Washington’s chief Olympic gold medalist in the 100m dash. of staff. Lillian Wald (1867–1940) Mark Takano (1960– ) A nurse and founder of the Henry Street Representing California’s 41st congressio- Settlement house in New York City, Wald nal district in the U.S. House of Representa- was involved in the founding of the NAACP,

TEACHING TOLERANCE a suffragist, and among the first to advocate Tennessee Williams (1911–1983) for nurses in public schools. A 20th century American playwright and Alice Walker (1944– ) writer of such classic works as The Glass The first black woman to win the Pulitzer Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire and Prize for her book, The Color Purple, Walk- Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. er is also an activist who has taken on an- Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951) ti-war and voter registration causes. A prominent 20th century philosopher Andy Warhol (1928–1987) whose work influenced future theories on An American artist and filmmaker known the philosophy of mind and language. for being the preeminent figure of pop art. Virginia Woolf (1882–1941) We’wha (1849–1896) A modernist English writer known for feminist A Zuni , or two-spirited person, and themes and stream of consciousness writing in accomplished artist who served as an ambas- works such as Mrs. Dalloway and Orlando. sador of her tribe in a visit to Washington, D.C. Mary Yu (1957– ) Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) The Washington Supreme Court’s first Irish poet and playwright. Latina, first Asian-American and first open- ly gay justice. Walt Whitman (1819–1892) An American poet, essayist and humanist known for such works as Leaves Of Grass and Drum Taps.

LGBTQ BEST PRACTICES APPENDIX C THE ACRONYM AND BEYOND A Glossary of Terms

From the outside looking in, the ABCs of presents as neither distinguishably mascu- LGBTQ identities can feel overwhelming, line or feminine2. academic and inaccessible. But for students Aromantic (adj.): A deprived of representation, words matter— generally characterized by not feeling ro- and can open a door toward realization. mantic attraction or a desire for romance3. To hear yourself or see yourself described for the first time can be transformation- Asexual (adj.): Used to describe people al, especially if you’ve been conditioned to who do not experience sexual attraction or 4 see yourself as abnormal. A definition can do not have a desire for sex . Many experience point to a community. And a community romantic or emotional attractions across the 5 can make a kid feel less alone. entire spectrum of sexual orientations . Asex- Today’s youth, more than ever, have a uality differs from , which refers to ab- 6 large vocabulary with which they can artic- staining from sex. Also ace, or ace community . ulate their gender expression, gender iden- Assigned sex (noun): The sex that is as- tities and sexual orientations. That vocab- signed to an infant at birth based on the ulary can make some feel uncomfortable. child’s visible sex organs, including genita- These terms often force us to confront our lia and other physical characteristics. Often or assumptions. They ask us to con- corresponds with a child’s assigned gender sider the complexity of gender and attrac- and assumed gender7. tion. But an understanding of these words Binary system (noun): Something that con- opens a door for an educator to become an tains two opposing parts; binary systems ally to LGBTQ students—capable of facili- are often assumed despite the existence of tating conversation, and more importantly, a spectrum of possibilities. Gender (man/ capable of listening. woman) and sex (male/female) are exam- Affirmed gender( noun): The gender by ples of binary systems often perpetuated by which one wishes to be known. This term is of- our culture8. ten used to replace terms like “new gender” or Biological sex (noun): A medical classifica- “chosen gender,” which imply that a person’s tion that refers to anatomical, physiological, gender was chosen rather than simply innate1. genetic or physical attributes that determine Agender (adj.): Describes a person who if a person is , female or inter- does not identify with any gender identity. sex identity at birth. Biological sex is often Ally (noun): A person who does not identify confused or interchanged with the term as LGBTQ, but stands with and advocates “gender,” which encompasses personal iden- for LGBTQ people. tity and social factors, and is not necessarily determined by biological sex9. See gender. Androgynous (adj.), Androgyne (noun): used to describe someone who identifies or Bisexual, Bi (adj.): A person emotionally,

TEACHING TOLERANCE romantically or sexually attracted to more conform to socially defined behaviors and than one sex, gender or gender identity characteristics typically associated with though not necessarily simultaneously, in being masculine or feminine16. 10 the same way or to the same degree . Gender-fluid (adj.): A person who does (adj.): Describes a person whose not identify with a single fixed gender and gender identity (defined below) aligns with whose identification and presentation the sex assigned to them at birth. may shift, whether within or outside of the 17, 18 Cissexism (noun): A system of discrimina- male/female binary . tion and exclusion that oppresses people Gender identity (noun): One’s innermost whose gender and/or gender expression feeling of maleness, femaleness, a blend of falls outside of normative social constructs. both or neither. One’s gender identity can This system is founded on the belief that be the same or different from their sex as- there are, and should be, only two — signed at birth19. 11 usually tied to assigned sex . Gender neutral (adj.): Not gendered, usu- Coming out (verb): A lifelong process of ally operating outside the male/female bi- self-acceptance and revealing one’s queer nary. Can refer to language (e.g., pronouns), identity to others. This may involve some- spaces (e.g., bathrooms), or identities20. thing as private as telling a single confidant, or Gender nonconforming (adj.): A broad something as public as posting to social media. term referring to people who do not behave Demisexual (adj.): Used to describe someone in a way that conforms to the traditional ex- who feels sexual attraction only to people with pectations of their gender, or whose gender whom they have an emotional bond—often expression does not fit neatly into a catego- considered to be on the asexual spectrum12. ry. Also, gender expansive21. Gay (adj.): Used to describe people (often, Genderqueer (adj.): Describes a person but not exclusively, men) whose enduring who rejects static categories of gender (i.e. physical, romantic and/or emotional attrac- the of male/female) and tions are to people of the same sex13. whose gender expression or identity falls (noun): A set of social, physical, psy- outside of the dominant social norms of Gender 22 chological and emotional traits, often influ- their assigned sex . They may identify as enced by societal expectations, that classify having aspects of both male and female 23 an individual as feminine, masculine, an- identities, or neither . drogynous or other. Words and qualities as- Gender roles (noun): The social behaviors cribed to these traits vary across cultures14. and expression that a culture expects from (noun): Clinically sig- people based on their assigned sex (e.g., girls nificant distress caused when a person’s as- wear pink; boys don’t cry; women care for signed birth gender is not the same as the home and child; men are more violent), de- one with which they identify15. spite a spectrum of various other possibilities. Gender expression (noun): External ap- (noun): Coined by so- pearance of one’s gender identity, usual- cial critic Michael Warner, the term refers ly expressed through behavior, clothing, to a societal assumption of certain norms: haircut or voice, and which may or may not 1) that there are two distinct ; 2) that male and female functions and character-

LGBTQ BEST PRACTICES istics are distinctly different; and 3) that Lesbian (adj.): Used to describe a woman traits such as attraction and sexual behavior whose enduring physical, romantic and/or correspond to anatomy. Those who do not fit emotional attraction is to other women30. these norms—be it through same-sex attrac- LGBTQ (noun): An acronym for “lesbian, tion, a non-binary gender identity or nontra- gay, bisexual, transgender and queer.” Less ditional gender expression—are therefore often, the Q stands for “questioning.” Acro- seen as abnormal, and often marginalized or nyms like LGBTQIA also include the inter- 24 pressured to conform to norms as a result . sex, allied and asexual communities, while (noun): The assumption that acronyms like LGBTQ attempt to envelop an sexuality between people of different sexes is entire community of people who hold iden- normal, standard, superior or universal while tities that are not cisgender or heterosexual. other sexual orientations are substandard, (verb): To refer to someone in a 25 Misgender inferior, abnormal, marginal or invalid . way that does not correctly reflect the gender Heterosexual (adj.): Used to describe with which they identify, such as refusing to people whose enduring physical, romantic use a person’s preferred pronouns or name31. and/or emotional attraction is to people of (adj.): An umbrella term that 26 Nonbinary the opposite sex . Also straight. refers to individuals who identify as neither Heterosexual/cisgender privilege man or woman, or as a combination of man (noun): Refers to societal advantages that or woman. Instead, nonbinary people exhibit heterosexual people and cisgender people a boundless range of identities that can exist have solely because of their dominant iden- beyond a spectrum between male and female. tities. This can include things as simple as (verb): The inappropriate act of safely holding hands with a romantic partner publicly declaring (sometimes based on in public or having safe access to public bath- rumor and/or speculation) or revealing an- rooms. This can also include systemic privi- other person’s sexual orientation or gender leges such as the right to legally donate blood, identity without that person’s consent32. to adopt children without facing possible re- jection because of your sexual orientation, or Pansexual (adj.): Used to describe people play organized sports with others of the same who have the potential for emotional, ro- gender identity. mantic or sexual attraction to people of any gender identity, though not necessarily si- * (noun): A fear or hostility multaneously, in the same way, or to the same toward lesbian, gay and/or bisexual people, degree33. The term panromantic may refer to often expressed as discrimination, harass- a person who feels these emotional and ro- 27 ment and violence . mantic attractions, but identifies as asexual. Intersex (adj.): An umbrella term describing Preferred pronouns (adj.): The pronoun people born with reproductive or sexual anat- or set of pronouns that an individual per- omy and/or a chromosome pattern that can’t sonally uses and would like others to use 28 be classified as typically male or female . when talking to or about that individual. Latinx (adj.): A gender-expansive term for Can include variations of he/him/his, she/ people of Latin American descent used to her/hers, they/their/theirs, among oth- be more inclusive of all genders than the bi- ers34. This term is being used less and less nary terms Latino or Latina29. in LGBTQ circles, as it suggests one’s gen-

TEACHING TOLERANCE der identity is a “preference” rather than ly align their gender identity with their innate. Recommended replacement: “Your gender expression. This includes socially pronouns, my pronouns, their pronouns, etc.” transitioning, during which a person may Queer (adj.): Once a pejorative term, a term change their pronouns, the name they ask reclaimed and used by some within aca- to be called, the way they dress, etc., to be demic circles and the LGBTQ community socially recognized as another gender. This to describe sexual orientations and gender includes legal transitioning, which may in- identities that are not exclusively hetero- volve official and modified sexual or cisgender. IDs and birth certificates. And this includes physically transitioning, during which a per- Questioning (adj.): A term used to describe son may undergo medical interventions to people who are in the process of exploring more closely align their body to their gen- 35 their sexual orientation or gender identity . der identity. Transgender and nonbinary Same-gender loving (adj.): A term coined people transition in various ways to various in the early 1990s by activist Cleo Manago, degrees; self-identification alone is enough this term was and is used by some mem- to validate gender identity. bers of the black community who feel that * (noun): The fear and hatred terms like gay, lesbian and bisexual (and of, or discomfort with, transgender peo- sometimes the communities therein) are ple. This may manifest into transphobic Eurocentric and fail to affirm black culture, actions, such as violence, harassment, mis- history and identity. representation or exclusion38. Sexual orientation (noun): An inherent or Transsexual (adj.): A less frequently used immutable emotional, romantic or sexual term (considered by some to be outdated attraction to other people; oftentimes used or offensive) which refers to people who to signify the gender identity (or identities) use medical interventions such as hormone 36 to which a person is most attracted . therapy, gender-affirming surgery (GAS), (noun): A gender identity or (SRS), etc., as that is neither male nor female, existing part of the process of expressing their gen- outside the idea that gender represents a der39. Some people who identify as trans- linear spectrum between the two. Some- sexual do not identify as transgender and times a catchall term or category in soci- vice versa. Only use this term if someone who eties, states or countries that legally recog- specifically identifies as such asks you .to nize genders other than male and female. Two Spirit (adj.): An umbrella term in Na- Transgender (adj.): An umbrella term for tive culture to describe people who have both people whose gender identity differs from a male and female spirit within them. This the sex they were assigned at birth37. Not encompasses many tribe-specific names, all trans people undergo transition (defined roles and traditions, such as the of the below). Being transgender does not imply Lakota and nadleeh of the Navajo people40. any specific sexual orientation. Therefore, This term often describes Native people transgender people may identify as straight, who performed roles and gender expression gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc. Also, trans. associated with both men and women. This term should be used only in the context of Transitioning (verb): A process during Native culture. which some people strive to more close-

LGBTQ BEST PRACTICES Words to avoid Preferred terms Homosexual (n.); homosexual (adj.) Gay man/person (n.); gay (adj.) Sexual preference Sexual orientation /transvestite Transgender person or trans person (if they so identify)

*University of California-Davis’s LGBTQIA Resource Center offers this note on words like this: we’ve been intentionally moving away from using words like “transphobic,” “homopho- bic,” and “biphobic” because (1) they inaccurately describe systems of as irratio- nal fears, and (2) for some people, phobias are a very distressing part of their lived experience and co-opting this language is disrespectful to their experiences and perpetuates . DEFINITION SOURCES Note: Not all definitions are used word-for-word, but were inspired by meanings provided by the following sources. 1 PFLAG National Glossary of Terms. 21 2 Human Rights Campaign Glossary of Terms. 22 Ibid. 3 University of California Davis, LGBTQIA 23 UC Davis Resource Center Glossary. 24 International Encyclopedia of the Social 4 Glossary of Terms, from the GLAAD Sciences Media Reference Guide 25 5 .org 26 GLAAD 6 Glossary 27 Lambda Legal 7 PFLAG 28 GLAAD 8 The Trevor Project 29 PFLAG 9 PFLAG 30 GLAAD 10 Human Rights Campaign 31 PFLAG 11 UC Davis 32 GLAAD 12 Ibid. 33 Human Rights Campaign 13 GLAAD 34 PFLAG 14 Lambda Legal, Glossary of LGBTQ Terms 35 Human Rights Campaign 15 HRC 36 Ibid. 16 Ibid. 37 Ibid. 17 Oxford English Dictionary 38 Ibid. 18 UC Davis 39 PFLAG 19 Human Rights Campaign 40 Tony Enos, “8 Things You Should Know About 20 PFLAG Two Spirit People,” Indian Country Today. 2017.

TEACHING TOLERANCE APPENDIX D SCHOOL CHECKLIST How well is your school meeting the needs of your LGBTQ students?

PROM • Administrative forms and communica- • Gender-inclusive language is used on all tions use gender-neutral language (singular event communications, including invitations. "they," not “he or she”) and provide an op- • Event organizers are educated about portunity for students to communicate their students’ First Amendment right to attend gender identity. Updates are made as needed. events with a date other than a student of • My school’s anti-discrimination policy the opposite sex, and to wear clothing of states support for LGBTQ teachers and their choice. school personnel. • At least one member of the prom commit- ANTI-BULLYING tee is designated the “inclusivity planner” • My school has a designated anti-bullying co- to ensure that every student feels welcome. ordinator as well as an anti-bullying task force. PRIVACY • Staff members are specifically trained to • School staff are never asked or required prevent and respond to bullying incidents to reveal a students’ sexual orientation or involving LGBTQ students. gender identity without the student’s per- • The name and contact information for mission—even to the student’s family. my school’s anti-bullying coordinator is • School privacy policies explicitly assert posted in the office, on my school’s website the confidentiality of information pertain- and in the student handbook. ing to students’ sexual orientations and • My school communicates effectively and gender identities. often with students, parents or guardians and the community about school climate POLICIES issues such as bullying. • My school’s anti-bullying policy includes language that specifically prohibits harass- • Staff ensure that reactions to reports of ment based on gender identity, sexual orienta- harassment do not further stigmatize stu- tion and gender expression. dents who were targeted for their real or perceived LGBTQ identities. • The policy gives examples of harassment based on actual or perceived sexual orien- • Teachers and administrators are educat- tation and gender identity. ed about common bullying myths, such as the idea that LGBTQ students are “asking • The effectiveness of my school’s anti-bul- for it” by expressing their sexual orienta- lying program is evaluated annually using tions or gender identities. student and staff surveys (find ours at tol- erance.org/tdsi/schools-survey). • Counseling staff is well-versed in LGBTQ issues.

LGBTQ BEST PRACTICES SCHOOL CULTURE CURRICULUM • My school’s is inclusive of a di- • My school’s health and sexuality education versity of gender expressions, including for is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gen- yearbook photos. der identities. The curriculum does not take • My school has gender-neutral restrooms a heteronormative stance towards sexuality and/or single stall bathrooms and private and gender (i.e., assuming students only need changing areas. to know about heterosexual feelings and safe- sex practices.) • Students can use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity. • My school’s academic curriculum includes LGBTQ perspectives, voices, histories and • My school has a GSA that combats bullying current events. and harassment. • My school’s library includes books and re- • Within my school culture, other staff mem- sources about LGBTQ individuals, history, bers are unafraid to be allies to LGBTQ and events and issues. gender nonconforming students. • LGBTQ educators and staff members feel safe to be “out” at work. • My school offers public praise or formal re- wards for school staff members who promote a safe and inclusive environment—ex: an “eq- uity leader” certificate at the end of the year.

TEACHING TOLERANCE These resources accompany Best Practices for Serving LGBTQ Students, a Teaching Tolerance guide. Download the guide at tolerance.org/lgbtq-guide

LGBTQ BEST PRACTICES TEACHING TOLERANCE