Over the last month, students and teachers have started the new school year – an exciting and challenging time for anyone, but especially for many LGBTQ+ students and staff. For some, school is a safe haven where they can access powerful support and care from peers and adult role models; for others, school is a place of alientation and bullying. For many, school is a combination of the two. 

At a time when both governments and school boards increasingly erase LGBTQ+ identities from curricula, force LGBTQ+ teachers and staff back into the closet, and prevent LGBTQ+ youth from accessing the resources they need, returning to school can feel more complicated than ever. LGBTQ+ youth deserve safety, representation, and belonging in all their classrooms, clubs, and extracurricular activities. You can make that difference: check out Keshet’s back-to-school resources for the 2023-2024 school year and share them with the youth in your lives.

Having positive, affirming relationships with adults is vital for LGBTQ+ youth – and we are always here to help. Please reach out if you or your community would like to learn more about how we can support and empower LGBTQ+ youth. We’re excited to do this work together this school year – we hope you join us!