Personal Learning

On this page you will find interesting facts and information to further your understanding. Be sure to scroll down the page to find current key vocabulary, articles, legislation and sample policies supporting LGBTQ+ students.

Pride Flags

It goes back to 1978, when the artist Gilbert Baker, an openly gay man and a drag queen, designed the first rainbow flag. Baker later revealed that he was urged by Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., to create a symbol of pride for the gay community. Baker decided to make that symbol a flag because he saw flags as the most powerful symbol of pride.

6 color pride flag, original 1979 — 6 Color Pride Flag, circa 1979

original pride flag, circa 1977 Gilbert Baker — Original Pride Flag, circa 1978 by Gilbert Baker

Gender Identities and Terms

This collection of Key Concepts and Terms is designed to provide a basic understanding of words, phrases and ideas related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and their experiences.

Articles

Gender Spectrum – Schools in Transition

Edutopia – Schools Struggle to Support LGBTQ Students

CNN – Bullying is a ‘serious public health problem,’ experts say

GLSEN – From Teasing to Torment: School Climate Revisited

GLSEN – Suicide Thoughts and Attempts Among Transgender Adults

National Library of Medicine – Effects of at-school victimization and sexual orientation on lesbian, gay, or bisexual youths’ health risk behavior

RTI – Violence and LGBTQ+ Communities

Legislation/Policy

The following laws have been passed to address the treatment and support of LGBTQ+ students:

Suicide Prevention Policies in Schools and ongoing professional learning (2016). EC 215. CDE Guidance

California Healthy Youth Act mandates Comprehensive and Inclusive Family Life Education (2015): EC 51930-51939. CDE Guidance

School Success and Opportunity Act identifies treatment of transgender students (2013) EC 221.5. CDE Guidance

Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful (FAIR) Act mandates the teaching of LGBTQ History in history classrooms. (2011). EC 51204.5. CDE Guidance

Seth’s Law added sexual orientation and gender identity to anti bullying school policies (2011): EC 234.5.

Safe Place to Learn Act (2007) EC 234.

Most school districts include policies that are supportive of LGBTQ+ students and families and can be commonly found in the following sections. Please keep in mind that this is not a complete list and each school district has a unique set of approved policies.

5137: Positive School Climate

5145.3: Non Discrimination / Harassment / Treatment of Transgender Students

1312.3: Uniform Complaint Procedures

6142.8: Comprehensive Health Education

6142.94: Social Science Instruction