“Nineteen-year-old Israel Moncado spent his childhood being shuffled from one foster care setting to the next. After years of untreated gender dysphoria, and the bouts of self-harm and social isolation that often result from stigma, Israel visits his first LGBT center and discovers he’s not alone. When he finds a safe space in a transgender community, Israel begins to embrace his identity.”
Brittany Iron competes in the Crow Nation’s Ultimate Warrior Challenge. The Challenge spurs her to master canoeing, running, and riding. The race teaches the Native values of commitment and perseverance. To participate, she has to commit to abstain from drugs and alcohol. The Crow are reimagining what it means to be a warrior. They are now drawing on traditional rituals to combat the effects of centuries of stigma and trauma, and to rebuild the tribe’s sense of pride and purpose.
“Zindy is a Mexican immigrant and domestic abuse survivor who lives with her five children at an isolated Atlanta-area trailer park. She notices that other park residents — immigrants from Mexico and Central America — struggle with the same issues she does, such as English fluency, reluctance to trust others, and limited access to education and other services. Zindy views their shared isolation as an opportunity and unites mothers in the community with similar cultural norms and practices — not to address shared problems, like domestic abuse, but to realize their common dreams for their children. This is the story of how they forged cultural ties and mutual trust, and the confidence to seek outside help in creating an escuelita (“little school”).”
As the Supreme Court hears cases to decide whether federal law protects LGBTQ people from employment discrimination, one queer educator explains how his colleagues can be accomplices in the fight for LGBTQ civil rights.
In this Q&A, 2019 GLSEN Educator of the Year Ace Schwarz explains how educators can support nonbinary colleagues and create more inclusive school environments.
A recent New York Times article compares history textbooks to show the radical differences between California and Texas editions. It’s a great opportunity to encourage your students to think about the role politics plays in curriculum.
Many educators profess, as a virtue, that they treat all students the same. But when a student’s specific needs and story are erased, it’s not equitable—it’s damaging.
In addressing intersecting identities, educators can contribute to students’ empowerment—or oppression. One TT intern reflects on her experiences as a Black, female, Muslim student.