LGBTQ+ Support Resources

Seattle Public Schools is dedicated to supporting all students and families, including our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community.

The Health Education Office is proud to provide resources and supports to our district with the aim of creating and sustaining safe, supportive school environments.

The Health Education office works with school administrators, educators, and staff to continually improve safety and inclusivity in our schools. We are available to support schools in the following ways:

Providing staff training on supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
Providing optional supplemental resources for teachers to guide conversations about gender identity. Learn more about the K-5 Gender Book Kit, which lives in each elementary school library.
Working to improve all-gender restroom access.
Referrals to community agencies that serve LGBTQ+ youth and families.
Providing monthly resources and professional development to advisors of Gender-Sexuality Alliances and Rainbow Clubs.
Providing personalized support to staff and leaders working to support LGBTQ+ students.
Providing welcoming visuals like Pride flags and inclusive posters.
Offering healing and community spaces for LGBTQ+ staff.

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has several policies and procedures that are relevant to keeping LGBTQ+ youth safe at school. We encourage LGBTQ+ students and families to learn these policies so they can most effectively advocate for themselves/their children.

If you have questions about any of these policies/procedures, contact Sam Cristol secristol@seattleschools.org.

Board policy 3211: Gender-Inclusive Schools: Transgender and Gender-Expansive Student Rights and Supports

Board Policy 3207: Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying

Board Policy 3210: Nondiscrimination, Acts of Hostility and Defamation

Board Resolution 2019-20/28: Affirming Inclusion of Our LGBTQIA+ Students, Staff, and Community

Student and Family Resources

Mental health support, LGBTQ+ alliances and clubs, name and gender changes in student records, opportunities to connect with other LGBTQ+ families.

Student and Family Resources

Accepting your LGBTQ+ Child

illustration of a multicultural group of adults, teens, and kids standing in front of a school building

Family acceptance is the number-one determinant of LGBTQ+ youth safety, health, and wellbeing. We have resources for families on the journey to acceptance.

Understanding and Accepting your Child

Staff Resources

graphic of three adults in a small group setting, having a conversation around a table, with a laptop and coffee

PD and consultations, support for creating inclusive environments, connect with other LGBTQ+ staff.

Staff Resources (login required)

Our Students, Their Stories

A photo book highlighting the stories of our amazing LGBTQ+ students and staff.

Our Students, Their Stories

Rainbow Mentors Program

Our LGBTQ+ students need and deserve LGBTQ+ role models. With safe and supportive teaching internships, we can help ensure that new LGBTQ+ educators have a safe and supportive entry into the teaching profession.

Through our new Rainbow Mentors Program, the Health Education Office partners with local teacher preparation programs to place LGBTQ+ teacher candidates with LGBTQ+ mentor teachers.

If you are a teacher educator working in an accredited teacher preparation program, please contact Sam Cristol secristol@seattleschools.org to learn more about finding supportive placements for your queer and trans candidates.

Seattle Pride Parade: June 30, 2024

Pride Parade participants along with balloons and rainbows on a float

Seattle Pride Parade

Seattle Public Schools has marched in the Seattle Pride Parade for over 25 years with students, staff, and families. This year, we’re proud to be part of an intergenerational group of Grand Marshals, spearheaded by LGBTQ+ athletes Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe! All are welcome to join. Find us at the very front of the parade staging area, prior to 11 am on Sunday, June 30, along 4th Avenue downtown. Look for the big yellow school bus! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!