K–12 Focus: Working with LGBTQIA+ Youth

Articles:

Articles to Learn about Working with K-12 LGBTQIA+ Youth from Diverse Backgrounds

Grades K–5: Foundational Inclusion & Early Affirmation

1. LGBTQ -Inclusive Professional Development in Elementary Schools
   • Overview: This study presents the IPD (Inclusivity Professional Development) framework, emphasizing sustained and comprehensive training to enhance educators’ attitudes, knowledge, and skills regarding gender and sexuality inclusivity. ERIC 2 ResearchGate 2 SAGE Journals 2
2. Reading and Teaching the Rainbow
   • Overview: This article discusses the positive impact of incorporating LGBTQIA+ topics in elementary schools, highlighting how inclusive curricula can foster a supportive learning environment for all students. American Federation of Teachers
3. LGBTQ‐Inclusive Read‐Alouds in a Second‐Grade Classroom
   • Overview: This article shares the journey of a second-grade teacher implementing LGBTQIA+-inclusive read-alouds, demonstrating how children’s literature can be a powerful tool for inclusion. ILA
4. Developing LGBTQ-Inclusive Classroom Resources
   • Overview: This resource provides guidance on creating inclusive curricula that reflect diverse identities, promoting a sense of belonging among all students. glsen.org 1 ILA 1

Grades 6–8: Identity Exploration & Cultural Competency

1. LGBTQ Students in PK–12 Education
   • Overview: This comprehensive article summarizes key topics in PK–12 education for LGBTQ students, including policy developments and educational practices over the past decade. Oxford Research Encyclopedia
2. Incorporating LGBTQ Students and Texts in Your Classroom
   • Overview: This blog post offers practical strategies for educators to include LGBTQ students and literature in their classrooms, fostering an inclusive learning environment. National Council of Teachers of English
3. Pre-K–8 Educators’ Perceptions of LGBT-Inclusive Policy Framing
   • Overview: This study examines how educators perceive and implement LGBT-inclusive policies, providing insights into effective strategies for fostering inclusivity. EPAA

Grades 9–12: Intersectionality, Advocacy & Critical Literacy

1. K–12 Experiences of LGBTQ Students of Color
   • Overview: This article emphasizes the importance of affirming and inclusive school environments for the well-being of LGBTQ students of color, highlighting the intersection of race and sexual orientation. SAGE Journals
2. Equity by Design: Teaching LGBTQ-Themed Literature in English Language Arts
   • Overview: This paper discusses the integration of LGBTQ-themed texts in English Language Arts curricula, aiming to counteract transphobia, homophobia, and biphobia in schools. ERIC
3. Youths’ Choices to Read Optional Queer Texts in a High School ELA Classroom
   • Overview: This study explores how high school students navigate visibility through their choices to read queer texts, providing insights into student agency and literacy sponsorship. ResearchGate 1 ScholarWorks 1

Cross-Grade & Systemic Perspectives

1. Promoting School Safety for LGBTQ and All Students
   • Overview: This article discusses how professional development on LGBTQ-specific topics equips educators with tools to support and protect all students, contributing to a safer school environment. PMC
2. Social Support in Schools and Related Outcomes for LGBTQ Youth
   • Overview: This scoping review explores existing social support systems for LGBTQ youth in schools, identifying barriers and areas for future research to enhance student well-being. PMC

Articles from Dr. sj Miller on working with LGBTQIA+ students from Diverse Cultural Backgrounds

Here’s a curated list of scholarly and practitioner-focused articles by Dr. sj Miller, designed to support K–12 educators in creating inclusive, affirming environments for LGBTQIA+ students from diverse cultural backgrounds. The resources are organized by grade level bands and cover topics such as curriculum design, professional development, student well-being, and intersectionality.

Grades K–5: Foundational Inclusion & Early Affirmation

1. A Queer Literacy Framework Promoting (A)Gender and (A)Sexuality Self-Determination and Justice
   • Overview: Introduces a framework for educators to support young students in understanding and expressing their gender and sexuality identities.
   • Citation: Miller, s. (2015). English Journal, 104(3), 37–44.
   • Access: Link to Article
2. Embedding the Complexities of Gender Identity through a Pedagogy of Refusal
   • Overview: Discusses the importance of recognizing and affirming diverse gender identities in early education settings.
   • Citation: Miller, s. (2018). TeachingWorks Working Paper.
   • Access: Link to Paper

Grades 6–8: Identity Exploration & Cultural Competency

1. Reframing Schooling to Liberate Gender Identity
   • Overview: Explores strategies for middle school educators to create environments that support gender identity exploration and affirmation.
   • Citation: Miller, s. (2018). Multicultural Perspectives, 20(2), 70–80.
   • Access: Link to Article
2. Trans*+ing Classrooms: The Pedagogy of Refusal as Mediator for Learning
   • Overview: Introduces the concept of a “pedagogy of refusal” to challenge normative gender expectations in educational settings.
   • Citation: Miller, s. (2016).
   • Access: Link to Article

Grades 9–12: Intersectionality, Advocacy & Critical Literacy

1. Sex and Gender in Transition in US Schools: Ways Forward
   • Overview: Analyzes the challenges and opportunities in supporting transgender and gender non-conforming students in high schools.
   • Citation: Miller, s., Mayo, C., & Lugg, C. (2017). Sex Education, 18(4), 345–359.
   • Access: Link to Article
2. The Impact and Role of Emotions in Schools for Teachers and Students with Complex Gender Identities
   • Overview: Explores the emotional experiences of students and teachers navigating complex gender identities in educational settings.
   • Citation: Miller, s. (2019). Teachers College Record, 121(13).
   • Access: Link to Article

Cross-Grade & Systemic Perspectives

1. Social Justice Policymaking in Teacher Education from Conception to Application: Realizing Standard VI
   • Overview: Discusses the integration of social justice standards in teacher education programs to better prepare educators for diverse classrooms.
   • Citation: Miller, s., & Burns, L. (2017). Teachers College Record, 119(2), 1–38.
   • Access: Link to Article
2. Gender IdentityWOKE: A Theory of Trans*+ for Animating Literacy Practices
   • Overview: Presents a theoretical framework for incorporating trans*+ perspectives into literacy education across grade levels.
   • Citation: Miller, s. (2018). In D. Alvermann et al. (Eds.), Theoretical Models and Processes of Literacy (7th ed., pp. 403–418). Routledge.
   • Access: Link to Chapter

Books:

Picture Books about LGBTQIA+ Topics

Gender Identity & Expression

1. Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
   • A stunningly illustrated book about self-expression and acceptance.
2. When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
   • A warm story about a trans boy becoming a big brother.
3. It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity by Theresa Thorn, illustrated by Noah Grigni
   • An accessible, affirming introduction to gender diversity.
4. My Rainbow by DeShanna and Trinity Neal, illustrated by Art Twink
   • A story about a Black trans girl and her supportive mom creating the perfect rainbow wig.
5. I Am Jazz by Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthel, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas
   • Based on Jazz Jennings’ real life, this is a pioneering book about being a transgender child.

Queer Families & Love

6. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole
   • The true story of two male penguins who raise a chick together at the Central Park Zoo.
7. Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer, illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown
   • Stella has two dads and finds a creative way to handle a Mother’s Day party at school.
8. Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
   • A tender portrayal of a child missing one mom during a work trip.
9. Heather Has Two Mommies by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Laura Cornell
   • The groundbreaking book that helped open the conversation about same-gender families.
10. A Family Is a Family Is a Family by Sara O’Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng
    • A class explores the many beautiful ways families can be formed.

Intersectional & Cultural Queerness

11. Pink Is for Boys by Robb Pearlman, illustrated by Eda Kaban
    • A joyful challenge to color and gender stereotypes.
12. The Bread Pet: A Sourdough Story by Kate DePalma, illustrated by Nelleke Verhoeff
    • While not overtly LGBTQIA+, it’s been embraced for its gender-inclusive representation of characters.
13. Ho’onani: Hula Warrior by Heather Gale, illustrated by Mika Song
    • Based on a true story of a gender-diverse child in Hawaii who leads an all-male hula troupe.
14. Rainbow: A First Book of Pride by Michael Genhart, illustrated by Anne Passchier
    • A vibrant, affirming board book that introduces young readers to Pride symbolism.

Newer & Notable Titles (2023–2024)

15. The Pronoun Book by Chris Ayala-Kronos, illustrated by Melita Tirado
    • A playful and affirming book that celebrates pronouns.
16. What Are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns by Katherine Locke, illustrated by Anne Passchier
    • A gentle exploration of how people find and use the words that feel right for them.
17. Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick, illustrated by Juana Medina
    • A poetic and celebratory book that reflects on Pride and queer history.
18. Love, Violet by Charlotte Sullivan Wild, illustrated by Charlene Chua
    • A shy girl wants to show her classmate she loves her—pure queer childhood sweetness.
19. Our Subway Baby by Peter Mercurio, illustrated by Leo Espinosa
    • A heartwarming true story about a gay couple adopting a baby they found in a subway station.
20. ABC Pride by Louie Stowell, illustrated by Elly Barnes
    • An alphabet book celebrating LGBTQIA+ terms and joy.

Middle School Books about LGBTQIA+ Topics

1. “George” by Alex Gino
   • A transgender girl, George, navigates her journey toward self-acceptance and dreams of playing Charlotte in her school’s production of Charlotte’s Web.
2. “The Parker Inheritance” by Varian Johnson
   • A mystery novel that features LGBTQIA+ representation through a character exploring their identity within the context of friendship and family history.
3. “Drama” by Raina Telgemeier
   • A graphic novel about a middle school theater production, featuring a young, openly gay character, as well as themes of friendship and relationships.
4. “I Am Jazz” by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
   • A picture book based on the real-life story of Jazz Jennings, a transgender girl, that introduces young readers to transgender identity.
5. “Lumberjanes” (series) by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters, and Brooke Alle
   • A fun and adventurous graphic novel series featuring a diverse group of girls at summer camp, with several LGBTQIA+ characters.
6. “The Best Man” by Richard Peck
   • This story follows Archer, a boy coming of age and learning about love, family, and the relationship with his gay uncle.
7. “Blended” by Sharon Draper
   • While the main focus is on race and family, it includes LGBTQIA+ themes, exploring how one girl navigates her identity in a blended family.
8. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
   • Though not directly about LGBTQIA+ topics, it includes themes of acceptance and kindness, making it a good tool for discussing empathy and gender/sexual identity issues.
9. “Fiona and the Whale” by Anna McMahon
   • A middle-grade fantasy about self-discovery and LGBTQIA+ identity set against a backdrop of adventure and personal growth.
10. “Randy, the Full Moon” by Peter Rees
    • A story that focuses on Randy’s journey to self-acceptance as he explores his gender identity in a small community.
11. “Gracefully Grayson” by Ami Polonsky
    • Grayson is a transgender girl who, after years of hiding her identity, decides to be true to herself in a middle school setting.
12. “The 57 Bus” by Dashka Slater
    • This nonfiction book tells the true story of two teenagers, Sasha, who is nonbinary, and Richard, who sets Sasha’s skirt on fire. It’s an exploration of gender identity and the consequences of bullying.
13. “Two Boys Kissing” by David Levithan
    • A novel that tells the stories of several LGBTQIA+ teens, including two boys who set out to break the world record for the longest kiss. It addresses love, identity, and community.
14. “The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James” by Ashley Herring Blake
    • Sunny is a girl navigating her feelings for her best friend while also confronting family issues and finding out who she is romantically and sexually.
15. “Luna” by Julie Anne Peters
    • Luna follows Liam, a transgender girl, and her sister’s reaction to her transition. The book explores gender identity and sibling relationships.
16. “Anna on the Edge” by A.J. Sass
    • A figure skater named Anna struggles with her identity as she navigates the pressures of competitive skating and discovers her gender fluidity.
17. “If I Was Your Girl” by Meredith Russo
    • A transgender girl named Amanda begins a new life at a new school, but her past and identity create challenges she must navigate.
18. “The Truth About Alice” by Jennifer Mathieu
    • While primarily about bullying, this novel addresses LGBTQIA+ themes through the complex relationships between high school students, including those struggling with identity.
19. “A Boy Like That” by Julie Shimamoto
    • This novel tells the story of a young boy dealing with family dynamics, societal expectations, and his sexuality in a sensitive and empowering way.
20. “Not Your Sidekick” by C.B. Lee’
    • A superhero-themed coming-of-age novel about a girl who discovers her identity and learns that the hero’s path isn’t always as clear as it seems.
21. “Boys of Summer” by Sarah Dessen
    • A summer story about a group of teenagers, where one of the characters is exploring his own sexual identity and what it means for his relationships.
22. “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara
    • Though primarily adult fiction, some older teens may find the deep exploration of LGBTQIA+ themes, trauma, and love compelling.
23. “Queer, There, and Everywhere: 23 People Who Changed the World” by Sarah Prager
    • A nonfiction collection that introduces young readers to LGBTQIA+ trailblazers throughout history, from the arts to social justice.
24. “It’s Not Like It’s a Secret” by Misa Sugiura
    • A story about a Japanese-American girl struggling with her identity as she faces her sexuality, family expectations, and first love.
25. “The Girls I’ve Been” by Tess Sharpe
    • A thriller that includes LGBTQIA+ characters and tackles themes of self-empowerment, trauma, and love in the context of a teen’s challenging life.
26. “Summer of Salt” by Katrina Leno
    • This book follows a teen girl named Georgina, who lives in a family where magic and secrets abound. As she uncovers a family mystery, she also discovers her romantic feelings for her best friend.
27. “Everything Leads to You” by Nina LaCour
    • A romantic story about Emi, a teenage movie set designer who navigates love, self-acceptance, and complex relationships, including a blossoming romance with another girl.
28. “The Other Boy” by M.G. Hennessey
    • This novel tells the story of a transgender boy named Shane who is struggling with his identity and the challenges of fitting in at school.
29. “The Moon Within” by Aida Salazar
    • A coming-of-age novel about a Latina girl, her struggles with puberty, and her exploration of gender fluidity.
30. “The Friendship Code” by Stacia Decker
    • A book that centers on friendship and loyalty but also addresses LGBTQIA+ characters and themes of self-acceptance in a middle school context.

High School Books about LGBTQIA+ Topics

1. “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli
   • This novel follows Simon Spier, a high school student who is secretly gay. His journey toward coming out is complicated by a blackmail situation, and the story explores themes of friendship, identity, and self-acceptance.
2. “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
   • A beautiful and poignant coming-of-age story about two Mexican-American boys, Aristotle and Dante, who discover their identities, their friendship, and their love for each other in the backdrop of the 1980s.
3. “They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera
   • In this novel, two teenage boys, Mateo and Rufus, are told they only have one day left to live. They spend their final hours together, exploring love, loss, and the importance of living authentically. It explores LGBTQIA+ themes with a focus on connection and emotional depth.
4. “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” by Emily M. Danforth
   • Set in the 1990s, this novel follows Cameron Post, a young girl sent to a conversion therapy camp after her parents discover she is gay. It explores themes of sexuality, repression, and the courage to be yourself in an oppressive world.
5. “We Are Okay” by Nina LaCour
   • This novel follows Marin, a young woman who moves to New York after the death of her grandfather. As she grapples with grief and the complexities of her identity as a queer person, she reconnects with her best friend, Mabel, and begins to understand herself more deeply.
6. “I’ll Give You the Sun” by Jandy Nelson
   • This novel alternates between two perspectives—Jude’s and her twin brother Noah’s—and explores their complex relationship with each other, as well as Noah’s coming to terms with his sexuality. It’s a beautiful story of self-discovery and love.
7. “More Happy Than Not” by Adam Silvera
   • This is a gripping, thought-provoking story about Aaron Soto, a boy who, in the wake of his father’s death, struggles with his sexuality. He is presented with a procedure that could make him forget his romantic feelings for another boy. The novel touches on themes of identity, memory, and self-acceptance.
8. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
   • While primarily focused on race and police brutality, this novel also touches on LGBTQIA+ themes, particularly through the character of Starr’s friend, who navigates their own identity in the context of a Black community. It’s an intersectional story about activism, identity, and belonging.
9. “Autobiography” by Christina Lauren
   • This novel centers around a boy named Tanner, who moves to a new town and navigates his feelings for his best friend, Sebastian. It explores themes of self-discovery, coming out, and finding the courage to live authentically.
10. “If I Was Your Girl” by Meredith Russo
    • The novel follows Amanda, a transgender girl who has moved to a new town and is trying to start over. As she navigates high school life, she faces challenges with her identity and the secrets she keeps, exploring themes of acceptance, love, and the complexity of gender.
11. “Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family” by Amy Ellis Nutt
    • A nonfiction book about the journey of Nicole Maines, a transgender girl, and her family’s fight for her right to attend school as her true self. It explores themes of gender identity, family, and societal acceptance.
12. “The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue” by Mackenzi Lee
    • Set in 18th-century Europe, this historical fiction novel follows Henry “Monty” Montague, a bisexual young man, on an adventurous and sometimes chaotic tour with his best friend and secret love, Percy. It explores love, sexual identity, and friendship with humor and romance.
13. “Girl Mans Up” by M-E Girard
    • This book follows Allie, a gender nonconforming lesbian in high school, navigating complex relationships with her friends and family, and struggling with her identity in a world that pressures her to conform. The novel tackles themes of gender expression and sexual identity.
14. “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Maurene Goo
    • This romantic comedy centers around Clara, a Korean-American teenager who is dealing with a summer internship, her complicated relationship with her father, and her burgeoning feelings for a girl named Rose. It explores LGBTQIA+ topics in a lighthearted yet meaningful way.
15. “Luna” by Julie Anne Peters
    • This novel tells the story of Liam, who is transgender, and his sister, who struggles with his transition. It provides a poignant exploration of transgender identity from both the perspective of the transgender individual and a family member, offering deep insights into the emotional complexities of the experience.

16. “You Know Me Well” by Nina LaCour and David Levithan
    • This novel follows two high school seniors, Mark and Kate, who discover a deep connection while navigating their respective journeys of self-discovery. It explores themes of friendship, love, and the complexity of navigating queer identities in a high school setting.
17. “The Sky Is Everywhere” by Jandy Nelson
    • This novel follows Lennie, a teenage girl grieving the sudden loss of her sister. While the book primarily focuses on grief, Lennie’s evolving romantic relationships and the complex emotions surrounding her feelings for both a boy and a girl explore themes of fluidity in sexuality and self-discovery.
18. “Everything Leads to You” by Nina LaCour
    • This is a tender coming-of-age story about Emi, a teenage girl who works as a set designer for movies and has a crush on her best friend, Charlotte. The book explores themes of love, friendship, and self-acceptance, as well as the process of navigating relationships in the queer community.
19. “Queer, There, and Everywhere: 23 People Who Changed the World” by Sarah Prager
    • This nonfiction book is a collection of stories about LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout history who made significant contributions in various fields. It’s a great resource for young readers who want to learn more about LGBTQIA+ history and the impact of queer individuals on society.
20. “Gracefully Grayson” by Ami Polonsky
    • This novel centers on Grayson, a transgender girl, who is trying to find her place in a world that doesn’t understand her. It explores her journey of self-acceptance, as she comes to terms with her identity and faces the challenges of being open about who she is in a middle school setting.
21. “Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel” by Sara Farizan
    • This novel follows a high school girl named Leila, who is questioning her sexuality while trying to balance her traditional Persian background with her growing feelings for a girl named Saskia. The story explores themes of identity, cultural expectations, and the complexities of queer relationships.
22. “Out of Darkness” by Ashley Hope Pérez
    • Set in 1937, this novel centers on the forbidden love between a black boy and a Mexican girl. While it mainly focuses on race and social justice, it also touches on LGBTQIA+ themes, particularly in the context of intersectionality and how societal forces impact individuals in marginalized communities.
23. “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
    • This retelling of the Iliad from Patroclus’s point of view explores the deep love between Achilles and Patroclus. The novel presents their relationship as a profound, romantic connection, addressing themes of love, loyalty, and the complexity of relationships.
24. “Far From the Tree” by Robin Benway
    • This book follows three teenagers—Maya, Grace, and Joaquin—who are each searching for family and identity. While not entirely centered on LGBTQIA+ themes, Joaquin, one of the main characters, is a gay teenager grappling with his identity and his relationship with his biological family.
25. “The 57 Bus” by Dashka Slater
    • Based on a true story, this nonfiction book chronicles the lives of two teenagers: Sasha, a nonbinary teen, and Richard, the boy who sets Sasha’s skirt on fire on a bus. The book explores issues of gender, race, and justice, offering a nuanced exploration of the intersections of identity.
26. “Someday We Will Fly” by Rachel DeWoskin
    • Set during World War II, this historical novel follows Lilia, a Jewish girl who flees Warsaw to live in Shanghai. Along with themes of survival and identity, Lilia navigates questions of sexual identity in a different cultural context.
27. “This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story” by Kacen Callender
    • This story follows Nathan Bird, a high school senior who is struggling to reconcile his desire to keep his queerness a secret while also dealing with his intense feelings for his childhood friend, Oliver. The book is about self-acceptance, love, and the complexities of coming out.
28. “The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue” by Mackenzi Lee
    • Set in 18th-century Europe, this adventure-packed historical romance features Monty, a bisexual young man who embarks on a grand tour with his best friend and secret love, Percy. The novel explores identity, love, and the challenges of being queer in an oppressive time.
29. “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo
    • Set in 1950s San Francisco, this historical novel tells the story of Lily, a Chinese-American teen, who discovers her sexual identity as a lesbian. This book beautifully combines LGBTQIA+ themes with historical and cultural exploration, highlighting the complexities of love and identity during a time of social repression.
30. “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara
    • Though this book is more often categorized as adult fiction, it has gained significant attention among older teens, particularly those in higher grades. It follows the lives of four friends, one of whom is a gay man named Jude, as they navigate trauma, relati