Creating a Culture of Care: Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in K-20 Schools

LGBTQ+ youth have been the target of much controversy lately in mainstream media and American politics. There are currently hundreds of pieces of legislation attacking the rights of LGBTQ+ people in the United States, with many of them targeting queer youth. Attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in secondary and higher education spaces have increased significantly with growing conservative leadership in American politics that mirrors the intersectional turmoil for LGBTQ+ people.

This insightful book presents the Culture of CARE framework and how educators can best support their LGBTQ+ students in K-20 schools. The framework is developed with tangible examples of how it can be applied in practice for anyone who works with youth. The author and contributors of this book examine how their various roles as teacher, school administrator, facilitator, parent, community advocate, and ally align to the CARE framework. They provide clear guidelines on how the implementation of Compassion, Awareness, Respect, and Empathy can positively impact the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals by providing culturally relevant support in K-20 schools. Adopting and implementing a Culture of CARE would enhance the psychological, social-emotional, and environmental well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in schools, promoting equitable and inclusive practices that support all.