Out, Safe & Respected
You Have a Right To Be Different
All of us are different in one way or another. In kindergarten and elementary school, teachers and other adults at school tell us that it’s good to be different — that we’re unique and special. But for many LGBTQ youth, that message changes after adolescence. It’s not okay to be that different anymore. Instead of valuing differences, adults turn their back on harassment or violence and deny equal treatment to LGBTQ young people.
In recent years, Lambda Legal has won a range of rights for LGBTQ youth. Our lawsuits secured precedents that force schools to protect LGBTQ students from harassment and allow youth to form GSAs. But these rights only matter when students, teachers and administrators put them to work.
This kit is designed to help you know your rights at school and make sure they’re respected. You have the right to be who you are. You have the right to be different. You have the right to be out, safe and respected at school.
