MA PTA LGBTQ Mission Statement:

MA PTA’s LGBTQ Committee (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning) will endeavor to make schools safe and welcoming spaces for all children. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Ensuring that parents who have LGBTQ children or are LGBTQ themselves are thoroughly engaged and welcomed at their children’s school
• That the unique challenges LGBTQ children face are addressed, from bullying and harassment to the need for safe spaces and support structures
• That an open, honest, and respectful dialogue is maintained between school staff, parents, students, and community partners

Items that you have accomplished:

• Created a MA PTA LGBTQ Committee that works to fulfill our mission statement (contact LGBTQ@MassPTA.org to join)
• Serves as MA PTA’s representative on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education AIDS Advisory Panel, which reviews all sexual health curriculum policies and public health concerns relating to the MA school system
• Connected local units with the MA Safe Schools program, which is an official government program that provides services for schools regarding LGBTQ issues and anti-bullying programs
• Supported the Mass Commission on LGBTQ Youth and their recommendations regarding MA LGBTQ school policies, which had not been updated since 1992. All nine recommendations passed the Board of Education unanimously
• Working with the Mass Commission on LGBTQ Youth and the DESE AIDS Advisory Panel as an equal partner in proposing updates to MA’s 1991 policies regarding HIV/AIDS, STDs, and sexual health curriculum for the MA school system
• MA PTA endorsed a proposed update to MA’s nondiscrimination laws relative to public accommodations and transgender anti-discrimination
• MA PTA State Convention panel speaker on LGBTQ Youth and bullying
• Engaged National PTA on LGBTQ issues
• Supported and helped pass a National PTA Resolution aimed at ending sexual harassment and violence in schools

LGBTQ Committee initiatives for the future:

• School Climate Surveys
• Language and Best-Practice Packets for Schools
• Secure Speakers for Schools/Committee
• Identify and Provide Age-Appropriate Books for Schools
• Host panels for discussion
• Work with local units supporting GSAs (Gay-Straight Alliances) in Middle and High Schools
• Create and run an LGBTQ Workshop for the next National Convention
• Work with other states developing LGBTQ Chairs
• Coordinated Health/Safety and LGBTQ committee meetings
• Bring attention to Homeless Youth (40% LGBTQ) and the Juvenile Justice System (with its disproportionate impact on minority groups, including LGBTQ Youth, and those with substance abuse problems, which are often tied to depression and lack of support structures)
• Continue strengthening relationships with Safe Schools Program; AAP; MA Commission on LGBTQ Youth; PFLAG; AGLY Network; etc.
• Identify and review potential legislation that impacts LGBTQ Youth
• Work on Diversifying and Expanding LGBTQ Committee