Queerly Beloved: LGBTQ+ Books That Empower Students

LGBTQ+ youth need our support today, tomorrow and every day. Although some parents of queer kids are supportive, educators who create welcoming environments at school can make a dramatic difference in the mental health and commitment to academic success of students who may be facing emotional or physical hardship. Growing up in my conservative neighborhood in California, grappling with my identity in an unaccepting environment significantly impacted how I have navigated life and interacted with others. Had I been exposed to more inclusive education or had the ability to participate in open conversations about such topics in my youth, my journey could have been considerably less difficult. And given the march toward more rights for queer people over the last 20 years, one would think we’re finally moving in the correct direction, right?

In Florida, a seemingly innocuous classroom screening of a Disney film recently sparked controversy. The teacher who showed this film is now under investigation for violating Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law otherwise known as H.B. 1557, which “prohibits classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in certain grade levels or in a specified manner.”

Since the bill was signed, it has created a deluge of new challenges against books that any parent or organization deems as “depicting or describing sexual conduct.” Unsurprisingly, many of these books fall under the category of LGBTQ+ authors, and brings us to a point in history where teachers and school employees in Florida are scared to even admit they identify as LGBTQ+ for fear of being fired and/or disciplined by the state.

Almost 10 years ago, we saw same-sex marriage legalized across all 50 states; giving queer people a sense of belonging and a future to look forward to. Today, we can still see that the LGBTQ+ community is consistently targeted and marginalized in many ways, not least of which is through the banning of books that deal with their experiences. These bans, coupled with an increasingly hostile political climate, have created an environment in which we are often left feeling unheard, unrepresented, unwelcome and unsafe.

So what kind of consequences can we expect to see for students who fall victim to these laws? The decision of lawmakers to deem LGBTQ+ themes and subjects as verboten only amplifies the prevailing stigma and discrimination, consequently placing LGBTQ+ youth in an increasingly vulnerable position, making them more susceptible to bullying, depression and suicide. Studies consistently demonstrate that when students feel a strong sense of belonging to their family and school, they are better equipped to steer clear of health hazards like substance abuse and mental health issues. For LGBTQ+ youth, these dynamics hold even greater significance. Those still exploring their identities can gain immensely from the very dialogues and discussions now being stifled by legislation.

Laws like H.B. 1557 transform classrooms into hostile territories for LGBTQ+ students, forcing them into closets of silence and invisibility, constantly seeing themselves as the “other.”

Promoting Visibility

LGBTQ+ books provide students with windows into the lives of people who may have different experiences, identities and perspectives. By incorporating these stories into our classrooms, we not only create a more inclusive learning environment for students who identify as LGBTQ+, but we also help all students develop a greater understanding and appreciation for experiences that don’t necessarily match their own. This can lead to the breaking down of stereotypes and the humanization of marginalized groups, ultimately promoting a more inclusive society.

So, how can we support LGBTQ+ books and promote healthier spaces for all students? Here are a few suggestions:

• Develop inclusive lesson plans: Integrate LGBTQ+ themes and topics across various subjects. This normalizes LGBTQ+ experiences and allows students to engage with diverse perspectives. Check out Share My Lesson’s collection of resources here.
• Promote open discussions: Facilitate respectful conversations about LGBTQ+ issues, enabling students to ask questions, share experiences and learn from each other.
• Challenge stereotypes and biases: Use LGBTQ+ literature as a platform for discussions about stereotypes, biases and discrimination, while encouraging critical thinking.
• Advocate for inclusive policies and practices: Collaborate with your school administration and colleagues to promote inclusive initiatives like anti-bullying programs, gender-neutral restrooms, and LGBTQ+ issues training.
• Diversify your classroom library: Include works by LGBTQ+ authors and feature LGBTQ+ characters, ensuring students' access to these books.

On this note, I'd like to recommend a brief list of LGBTQ+ books for middle and high school classrooms.

LGBTQ+ Books for Middle School