LGBTQ Programs, Curriculum and Support
GSA Student Groups
We are proud to have Gender and Sexuality Alliances aka Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) groups at almost all high schools and many middle schools.
To get connected with a group at your school, please email Health Education, lgbtq@yngangcaiw.com with your name and which school you attend.
K-5 Gender Book Kits
In response to student need, the district introduced classroom materials that focus on age-appropriate concepts of gender and gender identity. The K-5 Gender Book Kits are available to Seattle’s K-5 teachers.
The books and lessons were developed by a district-led task force community members, parents and educators in response to the state’s adoption of new Health Education standards. These standards introduce at the elementary school level concepts such as gender, gender roles, gender expression and gender identity.
Our district promotes safe, welcoming schools
While the state includes gender identity within Health Education standards, the conversations around gender identity align with the district’s commitment to identity safety for all. An identity safe classroom allows students to feel visible and valued.
Classroom conversations have already been happening organically as most of our schools have students who identify as transgender or are gender non-conforming. Rather than put educators in the position of finding materials to answer student questions, the district led the work to provide standards-based, age-appropriate materials.
While individual families hold their own beliefs and values about a wide range of issues, SPS will continue to support the universal values of kindness and respect in the classroom.
Overall, the K-5 Gender Book Kit aims to:
- Meet the Washington State Health Education Standards for Self-Identity, while aligning with grade-level Literacy Standards
- Reflect the lived experiences of students, families, and friends
- Provide accurate, age-appropriate information about gender identity and expression
- Build empathy for people whose experiences are different from their own
- Decrease bullying and harassment
Contact Us
Lisa Love
Manager, Health Education
llove@yngangcaiw.com
206-252-0982
Sam Cristol
Project Program Coordinator III, Health Education
secristol@yngangcaiw.com
206-252-0882
Useful Links
- Advocates for Youth
- Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
- Safe Schools Coalition
- Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
- Parent Letter Translations
Policies and Procedures:
Superintendent Procedure 2015SP.A
3207 Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
- Superintendent Procedure 3207SP.A Students
- Superintendent Procedure 3207SP.B Adults
3208 Sexual Harassment
- Superintendent Procedure 3208Sp Sexual Harassment
3210 Nondiscrimination, Acts of Hostility and Defamation
- Superintendent Procedure 3210SP.A Non-discrimination in Academic, Athletics and Activities Programs
- Superintendent Procedure 3210SP.B Discrimination Complaint Process
- Superintendent Procedure 3210SP.C Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action: Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students