LGBTQ+ Allyship in the Classroom

Communities are growing and evolving. Businesses are becoming more diverse in their training and awareness of DEI initiatives and growth opportunities. A vital pipeline for our communities and businesses is being overlooked: the classroom. Pew Research Center notes that members of Gen Z are more racially and ethnically diverse than any previous generation, and they are on track to be the most well-educated generation yet. We need to support this group of young people inside of our classrooms now so they feel seen, safe, and heard. When students know they are truly supported, included, and safe in the classroom, they are more engaged, creative, and take more risks.

The Human Rights Campaign reports that only 26 percent of students say they always feel safe in their school classrooms — and just five percent say all of their teachers and school staff are supportive of LGBTQ people. This one fact makes it clear there is not enough focus on creating safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ students.

Here are some easy to implement active ally tips whether you are an employee working in the school system or a caretaker at home.