Agency over gender describes the belief of a child’s freedom to determine their own person. And, that an educator’s choice to guide, not control, that determination can help create spaces of such freedom. The idea of agency over gender through art came from my first teaching job out of college as a counselor of an elementary after school center. In college, I had finished my thesis in using an intersectional lens in public school pedagogy. This illustrated ways in which teachers should frame their curriculum using an intersectional feminist lens that centers those that are most marginalized and erased. I was excited to practice these thoughts and writings into my work with students. Within two weeks of my previous job I was promoted to Art Director and was able to put into practice my ideas, and challenge myself in new ways.

LGBTQIA+ youth deserve to see themselves in the stories they read and the lessons they learn. Multiple studies have shown the importance of LGBTQ-related resources and inclusive curricula for queer students’ sense of safety and belonging. Libraries – whether in schools, communities, or homes – are powerful tools for encouraging queer youth to explore their identities and histories. Three of Out Youth’s past and present librarians will join us to discuss strategies to make libraries a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ youth, queering the stacks, and responding to parent and community backlash.

At the end of the day LGBTQIA+ history and POC history are inherently intertwined, you cannot have one without the other. This presentation will trace the historical context and stories of QTBIPOC activism and highlight certain individuals from social movements in the past such as the Stonewall Riots, the Civil Rights Movement, and various others in the U.S., and current movements like Black Lives Matter. It is important that we know the history, that we know the names, that we continue to learn and educate ourselves for our futures and beyond.

Join us to play virtual trivia and learn about LGBTQIAP2+ students’ rights in schools. This interactive program seeks to inform young people, families, and advocates on the current state of students’ rights in Texas and across the country, including providing updates from the ACLU of Texas on recent court cases and how students, parents, educators, and allies can help make schools more inclusive and affirming.

Have you considered taking a class in LGBTQ Studies, or earning a degree in it? If you’ve ever had questions like “What even is LGBTQ Studies?” or “What kind of job can you get if you take LGBTQ Studies classes?” then this session is for you! Grayson Hunt, the Associate Director of LGBTQ Studies and the University of Texas at Austin will answer all your other questions about LGBTQ Studies too.