Every February, the New York City Department of Education organizes “Respect for All” week, an initiative that helps students respect their peers of different races, ethnicities, religions, gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations. These activities, actions, and discussion guides will help your group promote respect for the LGBT community.
Activities
Memory
Our twist on this classic game challenges students to explore how different variables (race, sexual orientation, hobbies, family dynamics, religion, etc) come together to form our identity. Click here for the activity.
Body Sketchers
This drawing activity is a fun way for students to explore the ways in which we represent who we are to the world. Click here for the activity.
Actions
Communal Potluck
Use this fun action to help your students build coalitions they can use to change the climate of their school or community. Click here for the action.
Compost Cookies
This tasty do-at-home action can begin a wonderful conversation about how diverse people and groups can work together toward a common goal. Click here for the action.
Ice Cream Social
Is it better for students in your school to “blend together,” or can they maintain separate identities and still get along with each other? Use this ice cream social idea to encourage conversation between diverse groups. Click here for the action.
Discussion Guides
Defining Respect
What do we mean when we say that we want people to “respect the LGBT community?” Do people have to agree with someone to respect them? Use this discussion guide to help students form a realistic vision for a “respectful” school environment. Click here to download the discussion guide.
Something to Talk About: How are LGBTQ People Spoken About in Schools?
This discussion serves to help students look at the ways in which the LGBTQ community talked about (or not talked about) in schools. These case studies, discussion questions, and quotes will help students think about the emphasis often placed on limiting or eliminating hate speech in schools as a means to encourage a culture of respect. Click here to download the discussion.
The Blame Game: Questioning Why LGBTQ Students Feel Disrespected in Schools
Challenge your students to examine how fostering a culture of respect isn’t just the job of a few concerned individuals… but also of the larger school community. These stories and discussion questions will help your students think about their responsibility in making your school a more respectful place! Click here to download the discussion.
