LGBTQIA+ Inclusion & Curriculum
Primary resolutions and resources from AFT and NEA supporting inclusive language, pronouns, facilities matching gender identity, curriculum inclusion of LGBTQIA+ history, professional development, and partner organizations. These are among the strongest documented positions.
AFT — Support for the LGBTQIA+ Community (2025)
Official resolution adopted May 28, 2025. Key resolved items include working for:
- Inclusive language in all schools
- Proper use of identifying pronouns and a person’s chosen name
- Equitable access to facilities that match gender identities
- Respect for gender expression (attire and appearance)
- Policies allowing transgender athletes to compete on teams matching their identity
- Policies protecting gender identities of students and staff
- Inclusive anti-bullying / anti-harassment policies
- Availability of gender-affirming medical care and full range of family-planning care, covered by insurance
- Banning conversion therapy nationwide
- Defending educators who teach about LGBTQIA+ existence, history, dignity, rights, and pride
- Supporting advocacy groups (Pride at Work, PFLAG, GLSEN, HRC, Lambda Legal, Trevor Project)
- Hanging pride flags; celebrating National Coming Out Day and Pride Month
- Inclusion of LGBTQIA+ history in history curriculum; staff training; safe-space trainings
Source: aft.org/resolution/support-lgbtqia-community
NEA — Resources, trainings, and model policy
NEA maintains extensive LGBTQ+ resource pages, partner links (GLSEN, Human Rights Campaign, Trevor Project, Lambda Legal, National Black Justice Coalition, NQAPIA), model legislative language for LGBTQ+-inclusive curriculum, recommended affirming books, and multiple professional-learning modules (Safety, Bias & LGBTQ+ Issues; Advancing LGBTQ+ Justice; blended online courses). Guidance affirms use of student-identified names and pronouns and supporting social transition in school settings. Handbook and new-business items track “anti-trans” legislation and promote visibility days.
Examples: LGBTQ+ Rights & Partner Resources · Promoting Inclusive Education · LGBTQ+ Blended Learning Courses
Notes on interpretation
These materials directly support pro-LGBTQIA+ stories, curricula, and classroom practices promoted or recommended by the unions. Critics characterize some of this as conflicting with traditional family or religious views or with age-appropriateness debates; the unions frame it as safety, equity, and anti-discrimination. Primary documents should be read in full.