2025 ACSA Lead With Pride Summit

Despite strong laws in California that protect our transgender/non-binary students, there is intense pushback in many districts and increasing confusion amongst staff regarding what they can talk about with queer youth. This workshop will provide tools to engage in positive and affirming conversations with transgender/non-binary students. Whether a student comes out to you for the first time, or you engage in ongoing conversations with them, come learn supportive and affirming ways to connect. Be that loving staff who stands up for transgender/non-binary youth through conversations that can help them feel affirmed in their gender, safe at school and celebrated for who they are.

Over the last decade of LGBTQ+ activism within the Castro Valley Unified School District—through GSAs, alliances, educational programming, marches, community events, school murals, and more—students have remained not only the powerhouse of the movement, but the primary beneficiary of the changes brought about. Through a sustained and concerted effort; teachers, staff, families, and community members have assumed the roles of essential stakeholders in this district-based activism, and together they have provided and will continue to provide the building blocks necessary for the creation of a safer and more supportive environment—not just on campus, but throughout the wider Castro Valley community. This presentation will provide a summary and tour of Castro Valley Unified School District’s “LGBTQ+ Thrive Guide,” a written toolkit detailing the history of Castro Valley and its many LGBTQ+ initiatives with the intent to offer other school districts seeking to better support their LGBTQ+ community a framework for action and ideas to pull inspiration from. The guide is rich in resources, case studies, best practices, advice, examples, explanations, and templates to better support every stakeholder at every step of the work.

This interactive workshop explores the transformative partnership between San Joaquin Pride Center and Stockton Unified School District, aimed at fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families. Attendees will gain insights into how collaboration between nonprofits and educational institutions can address key challenges such as bullying, mental health, and equitable access to resources.
The session will cover:
• Strategies for creating affirming spaces within schools.
• Training and support programs for educators and staff.
• The impact of community partnerships on student well-being and academic success.
Participants will leave with actionable tools, templates, and inspiration to replicate similar partnerships in their communities. This workshop is ideal for educators, school administrators, nonprofit leaders, and advocates dedicated to equity in education.