Thanks for visiting the Hillcrest Elementary School Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee at Catonsville Family Pride this year! We hope you had as much fun as we did, and we hope to see a lot more of you around town.
If you’re visiting this page, you might be looking for something new to read with characters you recognize, or for you might need help looking at things from a different perspective. We’ve taken a stab at curating some fantastic booklists (beyond just what’s been added to the Montgomery County inclusive curriculum) for kids, as well as a list geared toward adults looking for ways to be better allies (are you askable?).
Maybe you want to learn more about the Gender Unicorn, or explore your own gender identity!
We’ve also tried to round up the most helpful resources we know of, again for both kids and adults. Please take some time to browse through; if you have any questions, reach out!
Young people looking for support can find it in spades from The Trevor Project, particularly their Coming Out handbook for young people. The Strong Family Alliance also has a super helpful Guide to Coming Out, and genderspectrum.org has compiled a list of FAQs: a collection of the questions they’re most commonly asked by young people
Live Out Loud cultivates safe, inclusive, and affirming educational environments for LGBTQ+ youth by connecting them to positive role models, resources, and opportunities in the LGBTQ+ community. Their mission is to empower today’s youth to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders of change, and they have resources geared toward that end, including an excellent 360 Experience guide to Coming Out safely.
For adults, the Trevor Project has a number of resources, including a guide to being an ally to transgender and nonbinary youth. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers guidance for parents and families helping young people in their Coming Out journeys.
PFLAG National offers a variety of publications, from how to support your LGBTQ+ grandchild to LGBTQ+ issues in faith communities and the military, both as hard copies to purchase of as free downloads. (There’s also a local chapter!)
Interested in other organizations out there doing great work?
The PRIDE Center of Maryland is an LGBTQ+ Community Center in Baltimore that runs multiple groups, including youth group “Youth Against Oppression.”
Free State Justice is a legal and advocacy group that provides resources to LGBTQ+ people in Maryland.
Advocates for Youth has a toolkit to help adults create safe spaces for young people in educational, healthcare or community-based organizations.
Center of Excellence for Transgender Health works to increase access to comprehensive, effective, and affirming health care services for trans communities.
Family Acceptance Project is a research, intervention, education, and policy initiative that works to prevent health and mental health risks for LGBT children and youth, including suicide, homelessness, and HIV – in the context of their families.
GLSEN works to create safer schools for all regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Immigration Equality advocates for and represents LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrants seeking safety, fair treatment and freedom.
The Institute for Welcoming Resources offers a variety of information about LGBTQ+ welcoming and affirming religious organizations as well as articles addressing common questions about LGBTQ+ people and spirituality.
A collaboration between the University of Maryland and the Family Acceptance Project, LGBTQ Youth and Family Resources offers a range of resources and information for families of LGBTQ+ Youth.
Trans Lifeline is a crisis hotline (1-877-565-8860) by and for the trans community, and Transgender Response Team provides a list of local legal, spiritual, housing, and social resources.