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LGBTQ Writers in Schools


Support Queer Youth

Partner with us to bring LGBTQ+ authors and books into K-12 schools

LGBTQ Writers in Schools is a virtual and in-person program that brings reading to life by connecting K-12 students with working LGBTQ+ authors. Since 2015, Lambda Literary’s LGBTQ Writers in Schools program and the NYC Department of Education have partnered to provide LGBTQ+ students with an experience that creates critically necessary, safe spaces for students to talk about great books and how to thrive as an LGBTQ+ person. Through curricular and extra-curricular visits, mini-poetry workshops, and writing workshops, this program:

  • validates and affirms LGBTQ+ students through reading and writing
  • helps educators and students to realize that LGBTQ literature is relevant and important for all students 
  • allows students to make connections between literature and contemporary issues in students lives

Exposure to LGBTQ literature and its writers has the ability to normalize, validate, and celebrate LGBTQ lives and can help reduce bullying. Schools that support LGBTQ+ Inclusive Curriculum see LGBTQ+ students have fewer missed days, higher GPAs, and a greater sense of safety and belonging among their peers. 

Our passionate and committed community of writers values the impact of students finding  LGBTQ+ voices in books. They strive to create stories that reflect the positivity and vibrancy of LGBTQ+ lived experiences. This rich representation of the multiple voices of the LGBTQ community also serves to build empathy among all students. For all students, direct contact with writers and receiving personal, signed copies of their books can spark a lifetime love of reading with its enrichment of heart, mind, and imagination. 

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“Our students are entitled to diverse, enriching literature that teaches them the importance of acceptance and compassion. The Writers in Schools Program plays a critical role in developing a robust education, allowing students to learn about the experiences of the authors as well as those around them. The LGBTQ+ community has so much to offer, and it’s time our students expand their library of books while educators learn the power of inclusivity.”

Marjorie Velazquez

Council Member, District 13, NYC

Instructional Designer RFP

Lambda Literary’s LGBTQ Writers in Schools program is seeking an experienced instructional designer to develop essential resources for K-12 educators focusing on book bans and challenges. In this role, you will be instrumental in providing comprehensive guidance on LGBTQ+ acceptance and inclusive practices. Your responsibilities will include crafting actionable steps and offering illustrative examples to empower K-12 educators in fostering an inclusive educational environment. Deadline to apply: October 16, 2023

Please submit a proposal here that includes:

  • Cover letter, describing your relevant experience
  • The proposed scope of work, your timeline, and the project fee
  • Resume, CV, or other relevant background

Interested in Our Program?

Are you a district leader wanting to support LGBTQ+ students throughout your school system? Are you an educator or school librarian interested in bringing our program to your school? As we look towards bringing this successful program to schools and districts across the nation, we’d love to hear from you! If you’re interested in working with us, contact us so we can continue the conversation!

AVAILABLE NOW!

LGBTQ Writers in Schools provides a safe, necessary space for LGBTQ+ high school students to express themselves through creative writing. Through our 6-week writing workshops, young LGBTQ+ writers learn the craft of writing taught by queer and trans teaching artists using illustrative texts by contemporary LGBTQ+ authors. With a nurturing space and intimate mentorship, these LGBTQ+ student voices speak through their words in the writing they created. They can be themselves, be seen, and have their words heard.

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Impact

Since 2015, the LGBTQ Writers in Schools program has brought LGBTQ books and authors to thousands of students in New York City.

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18600

Students reached

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630

Schools across every borough

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130

Visiting authors

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K-12

Serving all grade levels

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Changing Lives

Read an interview with one of our visiting authors.

See All Books

Author Last
Author First
Book Title
Reading Level
Genre
Participating Years
Barakiva
Michael
Barakiva
Michael
Barrett
Kay Ulanday
Beam
Cris
Bell
Eric
Bell
Eric
Bergman
S. Bear
Bildner
Phil
Bildner
Phil
Bird
Jackson
Boteju
Tanya
Brothers
Meagan
Burgess
Matthew
Callender
Kacen
Callender
Kacen
Callender
Kacen
Callender
Kacen
Cameron
Peter
Clarke
Cheril N.
Clippinger
Aaron
Conley
Garrard
Dennis-Benn
Nicole
Dennis-Benn
Nicole
Edozien
Chike Frankie
Erlich
Mor
Dragtivity
Espinoza
Joshua Jennifer
Garrett
Camryn
Gino
Alex
Gino
Alex
Hardy
James Earl
Hennessey
MG
Howard
JP
Howard
Greg
Howard
Greg
Howe
James
Hyatt
Martin
Iloh
Candice
Jackson
Naomi
Johnson
George M.
Johnson
Leah
Khorram
Adib
Kirsch
Vincent X.
Kron
Lisa
Linn
Laurent
London
Alex
London
Alex
Lowrey
Sassafras
Lowrey
Sassafras
Lukoff
Kyle
Marsh
Roya

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