Ellen Craig
From Awareness to Action: Advocating for Trans and
Ellen Craig
Spending over 25 years in education, Ellen Craig has a strong passion for teaching at all levels. She believes that it is within her responsibilities to share her knowledge with fellow educators on how to support parents and students across diverse communities particularly when advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Throughout her journey as a teacher, Ellen found it necessary to make change beyond the classroom and obtained her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Pepperdine University. Shortly after, she would spend the second half of her career serving as a school administrator across various districts in southern California. As passionate as she was to walk in her purpose supporting ALL children in education, Ellen found it necessary to embark upon creating her second career and established her own boutique management company and talent agency to represent her Trans son as he began to thrive in the music and entertainment industry.
Now working in education as an Instructional Coach within the Los Angeles Unified School District, Ellen has an opportunity to work with teachers, parents and individuals particularly in the BIPOC communities on what it means to be an ally for Queer and Trans youth.
SESSION OVERVIEW
Los Angeles Unified School District- Instructional Coach
Trans and queer young people deserve to grow up in environments where they feel safe, respected, and affirmed. This presentation explores what meaningful advocacy looks like in families, schools, healthcare settings, and communities. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges LGBTQ+ youth face — including bullying, discrimination, and mental health disparities — as well as the protective factors that help them thrive.
Through practical strategies and real-world examples, we’ll examine how adults and allies can move beyond passive support toward active advocacy. Topics include affirming language and practices, creating inclusive policies, responding to harmful rhetoric, and building systems of care that center dignity and belonging. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to stand up for trans and queer youth and help create spaces where every young person can live authentically and safely.