GLSEN Rainbow Library

Abstract

" GLSEN Kansas, as a part of a national network works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. GLSEN believes that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education. Our research and experience has shown that there are four major ways that schools can cultivate a safe and supportive environment for all of their students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression: developing supportive educators, advocating for comprehensive inclusive policies, providing inclusive curriculum and supporting student led GSAs. The GLSEN Rainbow Library was started as a chapter project of GLSEN Connecticut, and has grown into a nationwide program in just a few years. GLSEN's Rainbow Library is a program that sends LGBTQ+ affirming K-12 text sets to schools across select states - for free! GLSEN also provides a number of supports for Rainbow Library recipients to help recipients fight book bans and censorship. This session will share the details of the program and provide details on supports available to librarians and school staff."