NAEA Position Statement on Supporting and Uplifting LGBTQIA2S+ Communities in Art Education
The National Art Education Association (NAEA) is steadfast in its commitment to uphold the creation of inclusive and supportive educational spaces, acknowledging the significant challenges and barriers encountered by students and educators in the LGBTQIA2S+ community. NAEA stands by queer art educators and allies in their vital role of elevating queer youth through avenues of education, celebration, and reflection. NAEA advocates for art educators to pursue educational avenues to better understand LGBTQIA2S+ identities, advocating for the use of respectful language, the implementation of inclusive practices, and the establishment of environments that honor the complexity of identities. Such efforts are crucial in enriching the educational journey for all learners and in cultivating a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion within art education, thereby confronting exclusion and championing the visibility and rights of the entire community.
Defining LGBTQIA2S+: NAEA recognizes the importance of understanding the diverse identities within the LGBTQIA2S+ community. This statement embraces a broad and evolving definition that includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, and additional identities. Education on these definitions is crucial for fostering an environment of respect and understanding.
Defining Allyship: the active support and advocacy for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQIA2S+ communities. It involves creating respectful, inclusive environments by educating oneself, challenging discrimination, and standing up for equality. Through ongoing learning, listening, and promoting acceptance, allies help ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
- NAEA encourages educators to create classrooms that are inclusive and affirming of all identities. This includes integrating the works and stories of LGBTQIA2S+ artists into the curriculum, using inclusive language that respects each student’s identity and pronouns, and fostering an environment where all students can explore and express their identities safely.
- NAEA supports the rights and well-being of LGBTQIA2S+ educators by advocating for workplace protections, providing professional development focused on inclusivity, and cultivating a network of support. Educators are encouraged to share their experiences and strategies for supporting queer students and creating inclusive classrooms.
Ultimately, NAEA believes in the transformative power of art education to challenge inequalities, celebrate diversity, and empower all individuals to express their true selves. Through education, celebration, and reflection, a more just and inclusive future for LGBTQIA2S+ learners, educators and the broader art education community is possible.
*For resources and support, please visit the NAEA website. Specifically under Advocacy and the EDI Hub.
LGBTQIA2S+ Definitions:
Resources and Support: Below are resources for members seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of inclusivity. This list includes partnerships with LGBTQIA2S+ advocacy organizations, access to educational materials, and opportunities for collaboration with community groups dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
- NAEA LGBTQ+ Interest Group: Advocates for the inclusion and fair representation of LGBTQIA2S+ issues in art education. Provides curriculum resources aimed at fostering inclusivity and community connections to support LGBTQ+ art educators, artists, and students. Engages in efforts to create safer, more equitable educational environments.
- GLSEN Educator Resources: Beyond their advocacy for policies, GLSEN offers specific resources for educators, including lesson plans, toolkits, and guides for creating affirming education experiences for LGBTQIA2S+ students.
- The Trevor Project: Offers a range of resources to support LGBTQIA2S+ youth, including educational materials that can be utilized by educators to better understand the needs of LGBTQIA2S+ students and to create a safer, more inclusive environment.
- UC Davis LGBTQIA Resources: Learn more about becoming an effective ally by exploring diverse identities and experiences. Expanding allyship involves engaging with educational workshops and resources to support the trans, intersex, and asexual communities, emphasizing respectful engagement, privacy, and inclusivity.
- National Education Association (NEA) LGBTQ+ Resources: The NEA provides a collection of tools, guides, and articles designed to support educators in creating inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ students, understanding relevant laws and policies, and promoting LGBTQ+ rights in schools.
- Welcoming Schools: A project of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Welcoming Schools offers professional development tools, lessons, and resources designed to help elementary schools embrace family diversity, avoid gender stereotyping, and end bullying and name-calling.
- Learning for Justice (formerly Teaching Tolerance): Provides free resources to educators—teachers, administrators, counselors, and other practitioners—who work with children from kindergarten through high school. Their materials focus on antibias and social justice, including resources on LGBTQIA2S+ inclusivity.
Resources specific to legislation:
- Human Rights Campaign (HRC): As one of the largest LGBTQIA2S+ advocacy organizations in the United States, the HRC tracks and provides updates on legislation affecting LGBTQIA2S+ rights, including in the education sector. Their website offers insights into both state and federal legislation.
- GLSEN (formerly the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network): Focused specifically on ensuring safe and affirming schools for LGBTQIA2S+ students, GLSEN offers resources on current educational policies, antibullying programs, and inclusive curriculum development.
- Lambda Legal: This organization focuses on achieving full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQIA2S+ people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work. They often provide legal analyses of current and proposed legislation.
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The ACLU has been involved in numerous landmark cases to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States, including LGBTQIA2S+ rights.
- National Center for Transgender Equality: This organization provides extensive resources on policy and legislation that impact transgender individuals, including those related to education. The center’s resources can be particularly helpful for understanding the nuances of laws affecting transgender and gender-nonconforming students and educators.
NAEA Position Statement on Supporting and Uplifting LGBTQIA2S+ Communities in Art Education