2025 ACSA Equity Institute

Recognizing a growing need to support LGBTQ inclusivity in education, Leading LGBTQ+ Supportive Education was added to the complement of professional development opportunities for school administrators offered by the Los Angeles Unified Human Resources Division. The series focused on critical topics such as transformational leadership, administrator wellness, human capital management, coaching, and leading computer science.
This session aimed to equip school site leaders with the knowledge and tools to foster affirming environments for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families. Topics included foundational LGBTQ+ definitions and concepts, an overview of relevant LAUSD and state policies, and strategies for implementing visible support and inclusive language. The professional development also emphasized the importance of establishing LGBTQ+ liaisons, creating student groups like Genders & Sexualities Alliances, and embedding ongoing training for administrators to address real-world scenarios.
Participants noted several key takeaways:
• The critical role of inclusive language and visible allyship in fostering affirming school spaces.
• The need for sustained training to deepen understanding and tackle practical challenges.
• The value of scenario-based learning and access to dedicated resources to implement LGBTQ+ policies effectively.
This presentation will highlight the program's design, key learning outcomes, and participant feedback while sharing actionable strategies for attendees to replicate.