Join Us For Our Welcoming Schools National Day of Reading!

Produced by the HRC Foundation

Organize a reading for Welcoming Schools National Day of Reading: A Celebration of Stories Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Youth!

After a national anti-LGBTQ+ hate group bullied a young transgender girl in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, her community rallied behind her by hosting a community reading of "I Am Jazz" by transgender advocate Jazz Jennings.

Every year, in honor of the Mount Horeb community’s allyship, communities across the country join HRC's Welcoming Schools program for its annual National Day of Reading: A Celebration of Stories Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Youth.

Register below to show support and affirm transgender and non-binary youth by organizing a reading at your school or in your community at a local library, bookstore, place of worship, or community center.

Register for the Organizing Toolkit

Register below to receive access to the Welcoming Schools Organizing Toolkit with resources to host your own reading plus discussion guides for each story! Information you submit in the registration form will be kept private and confidential.

REGISTER TODAY!

Download

National Day of Reading - Organizing Toolkit (English)

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Download

Día Nacional de la Lectura - Kit de herramientas para organizar

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"My Rainbow" read by Author DeShanna Neal

Watch author DeShanna Neal read their book "My Rainbow", about a dedicated mom who puts love into action as she creates the perfect rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter.

Click to watch!

"When Aidan Became a Brother" read by Author Kyle Lukoff

Watch author Kyle Lukoff read his book "When Aidan Became a Brother", which will resonate with transgender children, reassure any child concerned about becoming an older sibling, and celebrate the many transitions a family can experience.

Click to watch!

Download This Coloring Page Activity

Extend the learning experience by offering students of all ages an opportunity to engage through artistic expression by downloading this coloring page designed by Shurjo Mukhi.

Download here!

Explore Welcoming Schools Book Lists for Elementary, Secondary, and Adults/Caregivers

One of the best ways to welcome students and families into your school community is to integrate high-quality texts into your classroom and school libraries. Explore our Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Students Booklist for Elementary and Secondary!

Check out the booklists!

Gender Support Checklist for Transgender and Non-Binary Students

Ensure your Transgender and Non-Binary students and their families feel welcome with this simple checklist to assess your school climate.

Get the checklist here!

Request a Welcoming Schools Professional Development training

Welcoming Schools has certified facilitators across the country ready to work with your school or district to improve school climate with gender and LGBTQ+ inclusive professional development. Schedule a training or connect with a Welcoming Schools team member about professional development for your school or district by requesting a training.

Learn Moreabout Request a Welcoming Schools Professional Development training

Free Welcoming Schools Gender Resources for Educators

Welcoming Schools offers teacher-friendly resources designed to help educators create classrooms and schools free of gender stereotypes and gender norms that limit all children. Find resources to help students understand transgender and non-binary people and to support and affirm all students’ identities across the gender spectrum.

Learn Moreabout Free Welcoming Schools Gender Resources for Educators

Free Welcoming Schools Lesson Plans for Educators

Welcoming Schools offers free lesson plans under four umbrella topics: gender, family, LGBTQ+ inclusive, and bullying. Together, these lesson plans help develop safe and welcoming classrooms and schools.

Learn Moreabout Free Welcoming Schools Lesson Plans for Educators
The Human Rights Campaign reports on news, events and resources of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation that are of interest to the general public and further our common mission to support the LGBTQ+ community.