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Power of Words2SLGBTQ+ acronym is an umbrella term that includes Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning people, as well as other diverse identities represented by the “+".This acronym represents a diverse community of people with different identities, experiences, families, and lived experiences.Language is one of the most powerful tools educators use every day. Using 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive language will recognize, respect, and include diverse identities, families, and experiences.Try saying:“What name would you like me to use?”“What words would you like me to use for your family?”Developing shared language is the first step in creating 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive learning environments.What is 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusive Language?“What pronouns do you use?”“How can I support you?”
What is 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusive Education? An intentional approach to teaching and learning that recognizes diverse identities, families, and experiences and builds inclusion into everyday classroom and school practices. Representation Use diverse identities, families, and lived experiences in books, curriculum, and classroom materials. Language Use respectful, inclusive language without assumptions about gender, identity, relationships, or family structure. Belonging Create opportunities for every student to participate fully without hiding or explaining who they are or whom they love.
What 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusive Education is Not?2SLGBTQ+ inclusive education is not about asking students to disclose, represent, or explain identities, replacing family perspectives, or limiting inclusion to a single lesson or event.
Why Does 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion Matter? School experiences play an important role in shaping how students understand themselves and their place in the world. Everyday educators have opportunities to influence how students learn, interact, and participate in their classroom and school community.
2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion Checklist and Reflection
Back-to-School 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion Checklist & ReflectionNoticeVisibility & RepresentationInclude diverse identities and families in books, displays, and resourcesProvide 2SLGBTQ+ representation beyond Pride MonthInclusive LanguageUse gender-inclusive languageProtect the privacy of names, pronouns, and personal informationConsiderClassroom CommunityCo-create expectations for respect and inclusionCreate opportunities for student voicePlan ways to build respectful relationshipsDisplay visible messages that communicate everyone belongsAvoid assumptions about students’ families and relationships
From Reflection to Action: 2SLGBTQ+ Practical Strategies
The everyday language we use plays an important role in establishing an inclusive classroom culture. Through the language we use, the questions we ask, and the respect we model in our interactions, show students that everyone deserves to be seen, respected, and valued. Try This: Introduce yourself and model your pronouns, explaining why you are sharing this practice. Use gender-inclusive greetings when welcoming students each day. Privately confirm students’ names and pronouns before using class lists. Ask students privately how their names, pronouns, and personal information should be shared to respect privacy and safety. Use language that does not make assumptions about students, families, or relationships. Small language choices can communicate that students’ identities and experiences will be treated with respect. Inclusive Language: Start from Day One
Before the first day, walk through your classroom and consider what students and families will see, hear, and experience when they enter. TRY THIS: Create an “All Are Welcome Here” bulletin board Display Pride and allyship symbols as visible signs of support for 2SLGBTQ+ students, families, and identities. Review books and resources to ensure they reflect diverse identities, families, gender expressions, and lived experiences. Display historical and contemporary 2SLGBTQ+ scientists, artists, authors, athletes, and leaders. ASK YOURSELF What messages does my classroom communicate before I teach my first lesson? See Your Classroom Through Students’ Eyes Take time to learn about students without making assumptions about who they are, their families, or their experiences.
cStrong relationships are the foundation of a safe and inclusive classroom. When students feel known, respected, and trusted, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and to participate in the classroom community. Building trust takes time and begins with listening, learning about students without making assumptions, and creating an environment where students can be themselves without feeling pressured to disclose personal information. Build Relationships with Students
The beginning of the year is an opportunity to establish how students will learn, communicate, and interact with one another. Rather than creating all of the classroom expectations yourself, involve students in co-creating classroom norms and commitments that support respect, safety, inclusion, and belonging. Give students opportunities to share what they need to feel safe, included, and a sense of belonging in the classroom. Their ideas can help shape the norms and commitments you establish together. Building a Respectful Community
Getting-to-know-you activities can help build classroom communities and strengthen relationships. Create opportunities for students to share about themselves while giving them choice about what they feel comfortable sharing. Choose questions that allow students to share about themselves without feeling pressured to disclose something personal. Build Connection through Safe Sharing
Consider replacing public first-day introductions with a private Get to Know You Card. This provides students another way to share information with you while allowing them to decide what they are comfortable sharing. When asking about names, pronouns, or personal information, consider how that information will be used and who should have access to it. Respect Choice and Protect Privacy
Building Trust and Communication with Families Inclusive practice begins with relationships. Your first communication with families and caregivers helps establish a welcoming and respectful tone and can begin to build trust from the start. TRY THIS: Use inclusive greetings such as “Dear Families/Caregivers.” Avoid assumptions about family structures, caregivers, relationships, or who may be receiving school communication. Consider how your communication represents and welcomes different family structures, identities, and experiences. Use language that communicates that all families are valued and welcome in your classroom community.
Beginning a Conversation: Open House / Family Night Open House or Family Night is often one of the first opportunities for families and caregivers to meet you and experience your classroom community. Use this opportunity to create a welcoming first impression and communicate that every student and family is valued, respected, and welcome. TRY THIS: Introduce yourself using your name and pronouns. Use inclusive greetings that acknowledge and welcome different family structures. Share how your classroom supports respect, belonging, safety, and inclusion. Make space for families and caregivers to ask questions and share information about their child.
Communicating Everyone Is Welcome Your back-to-school letter is an opportunity to welcome families and caregivers. It sets the tone for your relationship w and communicates what they can expect from your classroom. Use this first communication to show that every student and family is valued, respected, and welcome. TRY THIS: Use inclusive language throughout your letter. Welcome all families and caregivers without making assumptions about family structure, relationships, or who may be reading the letter. Briefly introduce your inclusive practices and how they support student learning, belonging, and community. Sign your letter with your name and pronouns as one way to model inclusive language.
