2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusivity

Our district promotes safe, welcoming schools 

The Edmonds School District believes in being inclusive and our need to become more gender-inclusive and supportive of 2SLGBTQIA+ students, families and staffThe School Board adopted the Gender Inclusive School Policy 3211 in December of 2014. This policy along with our Race and Equity Policy 0600 serves as the foundation for which all of our work and commitment to students, families, and staff is grounded. Additionally on May 25th, 2021 the school board passed Resolution No. 21-19 Proclaiming June as 2SLGBTQIA+ pride month in the Edmonds School District. The district is committed to supporting students and families as we navigate the persistent institutionalized norms that impact our 2SLGBTQIA+ students, families, and staff.

The work our system must do to become more gender-inclusive and supportive of 2SLGBTQIA+ students, families, and staff has been ongoing and will continue to be at the forefront of our efforts. The Equity and Student Success team has been leading the work in partnership with our leadership team. 

Every district leader has been trained in Gender Inclusive school practices and the policy guidelines around the use of students’ names, pronouns, and how we can continue to create a gender-inclusive school climate. All staff has been trained in our district’s Non-discrimination policy and procedures.

On February 23, 2017, Superintendent Reykdal published a letter stating that Washington state law continues to protect transgender students from discrimination in school, which includes names and pronouns, dress codes, student participation in sports and physical education, harassment, and students' use of restrooms and locker rooms.

We encourage our schools, staff, families, and students to show their pride and allyship throughout the year and recognize June as 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride month. Below are other significant dates:

• Solidarity week  - October - Link

• Day of Silence - April - Link

• Transgender Day of Remembrance -November - Link

• Transgender Awareness Week - November - Link

• International Transgender Day of Visibility - March 31st - Link 

• LGBTQ + Pride month - June - Link

Resources for families:

• OSPI - Gender-Inclusive Schools

• PFLAG - 

  • https://www.pflageverett.org/ 

  • Snohomish County group that support, education, and advocacy group and the extended family of the LGBTQ community

• Family Equality 

  • https://www.familyequality.org/

  • Family Equality’s mission is to advance legal and lived equality for LGBTQ families

• Seattle Children’s Hospital:

  • https://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics/gender-clinic/patient-family-resources/ 

  • Booklist 

• FOCSeattle

  • https://www.focseattle.org/parent-groups/

  • Parent groups are facilitated gatherings to increase parenting skills and provide a space to discuss identity and race.

• Gender Spectrum

  • https://www.genderspectrum.org/articles/parenting-resources 

  • Resources for Supporting Your Gender Expansive Child

Resources for Students: 

• School GSA, Rainbow, Other student clubs

• GLOBE Youth 

  • https://www.globeyouth.com/ 

  • Snohomish county youth group for 2SLGBTQIA+ Students

• The Trevor Project 

  • https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ 

  • Call 866-488-7386

  • Peer support hotline run by and for trans people.

• Lambert House:

  • https://www.lamberthouse.org/youth-programs 

  • Lambert House is an international leader in LGBTQ youth community building

• Gender Spectrum 

  • https://www.genderspectrum.org/articles/gender-spectrum-groups

  • Hosts free online groups for pre-teens, teens, parents, caregivers, and other family members and adults.

Resources for Staff:

• Learning for Justice: 

  • https://www.learningforjustice.org/

  • Best Practices: Creating an LGBTQ-inclusive School Climate 

• GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network)

  • https://www.glsen.org/ 

  • A national organization for educators and students

• The Trevor Project:

  • https://www.thetrevorproject.org/education/ 

  • Free online learning module with a video, curriculum, and teacher resources for middle school and high school classrooms.

• Lambda Legal Defense Fund:

  • https://www.lambdalegal.org/

  • They have developed publications on LGBTQ students' rights.