Over the last two years we have seen an increasing number of attacks on queer and trans youth in PK-12 schools. In 2021 alone, over 100 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in 35 states across the US. The majority of those bills targeted trans youth’s rights to inclusive education, play on athletic teams that match their gender identity, and to gender affirming healthcare (among others). This organized attack on transgender youth, and LGBTQ+ youth at large, has continued into 2022. Two recent examples include Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill and Texas’ new directive that would require the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate anyone that provides transgender youth with gender-affirming care. These legislative attacks have had a significant impact on LGBTQ+ youth, with 94% of the LGBTQ+ youth surveyed by The Trevor Project reporting “recent politics negatively impacted their mental health.”

Now, more than ever, it is essential for educators to stand up in support of LGBTQ+ youth and to create LGBTQ+ inclusive classrooms. Over the course of 5 days, this challenge will provide you with concrete action items that you can implement immediately to create such a classroom environment for your LGBTQ+ students.

This 6-week asynchronous course will provide educators with an opportunity to explore ideas related to LGBTQ+ identity, heteronormativity in K-12 schools, queer theory, queer pedagogy (mathematical inqu[ee]ry), and centering queer joy in their mathematics instruction.