LGBT History Month Goes to L.A.

The nation's second-largest school district signs on

Courtesy of LAUSD

Since LGBT History Month kicked off just days ago, Philly’s Equality Forum has reached the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) – the nation’s second-largest district – for a progressive educational partnership. Since the passage of California’s FAIR Education Act last year, public schools are now required to teach LGBT-inclusive history. It actually became the first state in the country to do so.

“I want LGBT students to see their education as the diamond, their joy in their life rather than their trauma,” says Dr. Judy Chiasson, coordinator of Human Relations, Diversity & Equity for LAUSD. “Schools have an obligation to present the diversity of our communities. There are many different types of families; we want all of our families to be recognized in our schools.”

Los Angeles follows the School Board of Broward County in Florida, the nation’s sixth largest district, in supporting LGBT History Month this year. Together, the districts reach more than one million students.

“Previously, the LGBT community was the only minority not taught its history at home, in public schools or religious institutions,” says Malcolm Lazin, founder of the month-long event and executive director of Equality Forum. “The Los Angeles and Broward School Districts are the first major public school districts to recognize the important national and international contributions of the LGBT community. These two school districts take the first, but giant step in public school embracing LGBT inclusion and respect.”

Check out today’s icon:

Click here for more information about LGBT history, how to access free materials and which icons are being honored through the month.