Out for Equity
Calendar
The Saint Paul Public Schools Out for Equity program advocates in partnership for gender equitable practices, programs, and policies through direct programming, professional development, and strategic collaborations. Our goal is to ensure a safe and welcoming school environment that fosters positive self-esteem, respect for others, and academic success for all gender expansive folks, namely our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer questioning, two-spirit, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) students, families, and staff members. Our key partnerships include the Saint Paul Public Schools Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) and the Gender and Sexual Diversity Parent Advisory Council (GSDPAC). View our calendar and announcements below for celebrations and opportunities for LGBTQIA+ learning and field trips throughout the year.
National Day of (No) Silence, 2024
GLSEN’s National Day of Silence is April 12th, which will be observed at SPPS on April 5th. The goal of National Day of Silence is to raise awareness of the continued challenges experienced by LGBTQ people. While staff and students may choose to honor this day individually, this is historically the biggest LGBTQ+ student coordinated day of advocacy within SPPS.
Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) in secondary schools may coordinate for the Day of Silence on April 5th – or they may select another day for action. Some GSAs have shifted to coordinating a Pride event at their school. Check-in with the resources and LGBTQ+ contact staff at your site for more details! Not sure who your contact person is in your building? Email outforequity@spps.org.
Ways you and students may participate on April 5th (or another day):
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Students can take a vow of silence to demonstrate how so many LGBTQ+ students are made to feel silenced every day.
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Students (who feel safe) and adults can take a vow of NO silence, committing to speaking up in defense of LGBTQ+ youth in every classroom, every office, every space on- and offline.
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Engage and act with LGBTQ+ students and leaders locally! Join the activity that is being organized at your site or another!
Learn more about the present challenges facing LGBTQ+ people and youth:
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2024 Is On-Track to Become a Record Year for Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills in the US
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Hate Crimes Against Queer and Trans Students Quadrupled in States with Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws
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The Trevor Project: 2023 National Survey on Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People
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Negative Mental Health Impacts of Anti-LGBTQ Policies & Victimization
Save the Date: Q-Quest 2023 is coming!
Q Quest will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center again this year! High School will be on November 15 and Middle School will be on November 16.
SPPS and SPFE National Coming Out Day
All staff are welcome to celebrate National Coming Out Day on October 11, 2023. Staff may drop-by the table, receive an SPPS pride pin, connect with SPFE, and pick-up Out for Equity resources (and a donated treat!). Click announcement title for full details.
Find support, connection and involvement with the Gender and Sexual Diversity Parent Advisory Council (GSDPAC).
Out For Equity 2023-2024 Calendar
View Out for Equity's 23-24 calendar of events, programming, dates of recognition and celebrations.
Out for Equity Family and Student Brochures
View and share Out for Equity's updated Student and Family brochures.