Positively impacting learners using LGBTQ-Inclusive Education

1. Incorporate LGBTQ texts into the classroom. https://www.abebooks.com/books/features/pride/30-LGBT-YA-books/

2. Reflect on teaching practices.

3. Talk and share with your colleagues. Do not work in isolation. Co-create and plan lessons together that will be cross-curricular while including all learners. Students will see you are all working as a team.

4. Remember that students’ lived experiences can inform program planning, development and implementation. The curriculum is only part of what directs learning in your classroom; students' experiences directs the other part.

5. Create a safe place for students to share experiences, thoughts and questions.

6. Find ways for students to explore support students’ well-being, identity, resiliency, efficacy and mental health.

7. Continue to learn and research LGBTQ issues and topics. Take a look back at the past as well as current news and information.

8. Review inclusivity in the Ontario curriculum. Be aware of language in the Antidiscrimination Education: "The implementation of antidiscrimination principles promote a school climate that encourages all students to work to high standards, affirms the worth of all students, and helps students strengthen their sense of identity and develop a positive self-image."

9. Recognize that all students benefit from LGBTQ inclusive strategies. Allies need to know how to be allies and why it is so important to be one.

10. Find ways to incorporate culturally inclusive pedagogies.

11. Model calmness and understanding.

12. Develop intentional lessons and questions to encourage inclusive thinking and dialogue. Be prepared to move in the direction that the conversation leads.

13. Provide "a mirror" and a "window" for students so that they might participate in personal reflection as well as make connections to the outside world.