Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1500904
Resources for Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth • GLSEN — glsen.org • GenderSpectrum — genderspectrum.org • The Trevor Project — thetrevorproject.org • Learning for Justice — learningforjustice.org • GSA Network — gsanetwork.org • Human Rights Campaign Welcoming Schools — welcomingschools.org • NEA LGBTQ+ Resources — nea.org/resource-library/nea-lgbtq-resources CTA Human Rights Cadre trainer. "In any state that's trying to pass anti-LGBTQ+ laws, we have to show solidarity and stand with each other. We didn't get this far as LGBTQ+ people by being afraid and not taking risks." Supporting Each Other and Our Students A wealth of resources exist through CTA and NEA (available on both websites) to build inclusive classrooms and support our most vulnerable students, including important legal rights at the state and federal levels that outline responsibilities and pro- tections for educators and students. "If you don't know what your rights and your students' rights are, you can't begin to create a safe space for anybody," Nuss says. S h e a d d s t h a t s t a t i s t i c a l ly s p e a k i n g , t h e re a re t h re e students who will identify as LGBTQ+ in ever y California some people in our community. It's 2023 and I never thought I'd hear some of the things that are being said about me," says Nuss. "I am extremely passionate about this work, and while it is hard most days, it is worth it. I believe my class of 32 kids is becoming more tolerant, so we have to keep pushing." In Ravenswood, Reyna says management is supportive for the most part, balanced with the need to acknowledge students who have different beliefs. She says some students are not open to learning from or having an LGBTQ+ educator, adding that a parent filed a complaint with the district against her this year for having a classroom that is "too gay." Shannon says these expe- riences illustrate the need to create brave spaces, for students and educators alike. "My greatest gift to the profession is that I am not afraid. ey want our voices to be silenced," says Shannon (he, him), also a "Students aren't asking us to agree with their decisions or give them special treatment, they simply want to be accepted." —Naqiba Gregory, West Sacramento Teachers Association Naqiba Gregory (back row, center, dark hair) and Melanie Bean (third from left in blue shirt) with fellow members of the Capital Service Center at the Sacramento Pride March. 22 cta.org Feature