2025 ACSA Lead With Pride Summit

ince the beginning of 2024, over 660 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the country, the majority of which target transgender youth in particular. Many of these bills are backed by pseudoscience and false information targeting gender affirming care and the affects of hormones on the body. In this workshop, we will be going through an expansive conversation of transgender reproduction that will allow you to give your students the inclusive sex education they need, equipping them with up-to-date, evidence-based, non-judgmental information so that they are able to make safe and informed decisions with their bodies. The content will cover the history, science, and experience of transgender reproduction, and will touch on the legal movement determined to hide it.

Dive into the transformative power of identity work in educational settings. This interactive session explores how educators and staff can leverage their own identities to create safe, authentic spaces that empower both themselves and their students. Through a guided "Identity Walk" exercise, participants will gain profound insights into their own multifaceted identities and learn strategies to build bridges across diverse communities, even when they may not personally identify with the groups they serve.

Moving beyond self-reflection, we'll engage in collaborative table talks to unpack our learnings and discuss practical approaches to fostering meaningful connections and building inclusive communities within our schools. The session culminates with a vital resource-sharing component, focusing on the specific needs of queer staff and students. Participants will leave equipped with actionable strategies to thoughtfully curate and promote resources that demonstrate genuine consideration for vulnerable students, as well as ideas for incorporating these inclusive practices into broader school initiatives and policies. Join us for an enlightening exploration of how embracing our full selves can create a more supportive and thriving educational environment for all.

3 Audience Takeaways:
* Explore intersectional identity and how to leverage elements of self for building supportive community
* Engage in conversation about current practices and perceived hurdles
* Receive resources they can put in place as individuals to do inclusion work with or without a structured school initiative or policy

The Safe and Supportive Schools Report Card shares data gathered from 146 unified school districts in California on district-wide policies and practices that support LGBTQ+ student wellbeing and education.

This workshop will break down the underlying California Education Code that guides the survey and report, share the statewide and regional data, and discuss how the report card can be used as an advocacy tool for local stakeholders. Participants will leave knowing what is expected of school districts in California and how to take that information back to decision makers in their district.