EDGY Conference

Judy Chiasson
Judy Chiasson
Ph.D.
Los Angeles Unified School District
Judy Chiasson
Dr. Judy Chiasson (she/her) leads LA Unified School District’s office of Human Relations, Diversity and Equity which designs district-wide initiatives, authors policies, and curates resources to support affirming learning and working environments for LGBTQIA+ students, staff and families. She advances identity-affirming schools that celebrate the richness of racial, ethnic, cultural, neurological, sexual and gender diversities that represent our community. Dr. Chiasson is recognized as a national leader, scholar and author on creating public schools that are affirming of sexual and gender diversity.

SESSION OVERVIEW

Responding to Opposition to LGBTQ-inclusive Education.
Schools across the country are experiencing unprecedented opposition to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Anti-LGBTQ legislation and book bannings portray LGBTQ+ topics and people as dangerous to children and society, striking fear in the minds of many parents and undermining their trust in their children’s schools. Distrust begets fear which can devolve into bias and even hate violence. School personnel may feel ill-equipped to respond effectively. Ultimately, schools must bridge this misinformation so they can build supportive learning and working environments that affirm LGBTQ+ topics and identities. This skills-building workshop analyzes the types of concerns expressed by parents/caregivers and offers specific strategies to build trust and copacetic working relationships. Participants will apply the strategies to real life scenarios.