Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1500904
Having an inclusive class library with LGBTQ+ books, as Andrea Reyna does, is a way to show all students they belong. " B Y B U I L D I N G A N inclusive, safe environment, you create a space where students can be their authentic selves and be brave to take risks," says Sacramento City Teachers Association member Melanie Bean. "By creating that space, we're allowing students to grow." While some politicians across the country push laws attack- ing LGBTQ+ youth and taking away their rights, educators in California are creating equitable and inclusive classrooms and schools where all students feel seen, supported, protected and valued. Bean says these safe spaces and the caring adults who build them are literal lifesavers for students who are being tar- geted by schoolyard bullies and governors alike, and often some of the only places where LGBTQ+ and especially transgender youth feel like they can be their authentic selves, "It's small things that recognize people's existence that make the difference," says Bean, an out educator who wears a NEA-created "I 'm Here" badge signifying her support for LGBTQ+ students. "Students come up to me and thank me for wearing it." (For more about "I'm Here," see page 24.) In East Palo Alto, eighth grade teacher Andrea Reyna is big on visibility as part of a multi-level path to build safe and brave spaces at school — she distributes Pride f lags, Safe Person badges and CTA-produced posters to fellow educators at César Chávez Ravenswood Middle School to help show all students they belong. She says being visible lets students know an edu- cator is a trusted ally. "One way I do that is by being out and proud — I think it's so important to have educators who are," says Reyna, who is openly pansexual and married to a trans woman. "In these especially difficult times when LGBTQ+ students are under attack, it's imperative that people be outspoken in their support." First -g ra d e t ea ch er an d O rin d a Tea ch ers A ss o ci ation " In these especially difficult times when LGBTQ+ students are under attack, it's imperative that people be outspoken in their support." — Andrea Reyna (she, they), Ravenswood Teachers Association Educators create classrooms where LGBTQ+ students are seen and valued By Julian Peeples I'm Here: Building Safe and Brave Spaces 18 cta.org Feature