Skip Navigation
Take Action

Search

Contact Us
Great Public Schools Engaged Families & Communities School Health & Safety Recruit & Retain Educators Teacher Quality Student Assessments
Fair Pay & Benefits Union & Educator Voice Student Debt Support Inclusive Workplaces Resource Library
Just & Equitable Schools Student Engagement Professional Learning Leadership Development Conferences & Events
Action Center Racial & Social Justice Funding for Students & Schools Educator Pay & Benefits Every Student Succeeds Act COVID-19: Creating Safe and Just Schools New From NEA
Become A Member Become a Community Ally Connect with Us Join a Campaign Donate
Our Mission, Vision, & Values Our Leaders Our Members Governance & Policies Partnerships Contact Us Grants & Funding
Press Releases
All News & Articles Topics NEA Today Magazines
We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, provide ads, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies.
Action Center Logo
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
Learn More
Issue Explainer

LGBTQ+ Rights

As Americans, we believe in equality and fairness for all, and together we can end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
NEA members hold rainbox flags NEA
At the 2019 Representative Assembly, NEA members and then-President Lily Eskelsen García participate in a pride rally.
By: National Education Association
Published: 12/02/2021

LGBTQ+ people are subject to a patchwork of state and local laws that leave them vulnerable to discrimination in their daily lives, sending the message that they are second-class citizens. 

Discrimination against those who are LGBTQ+, wherever it exists, violates our nation’s core values.

LGBTQ+ youth are particularly vulnerable to prejudice and are more likely than their peers to be bullied, harassed, and attempt suicide.

We need federal laws that afford LGBTQ+ people consistent and explicit protections from discrimination, no matter where they live and work.

Make a Difference Today

Take Action Now

Looking for more ways to take action?

See all Actions

Bills in Congress

Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools

See all LGBTQ+ Rights Bills in Congress

Letters & Testimony

NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.

See all LGBTQ+ Rights Letters & Testimony
Saul Ramos
“Our students always deserve better, and we are the key to creating that success. Let’s stand with them and remind them every single day that they are perfect just the way they are.”
Quote by: Saul Ramos, Paraeducator/Braillist, Worcester Public Schools, Massachusetts
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.

Are you an affiliate?

Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.
Rainbow pastels

Supporting LGBTQ Educators and Students

NEA is committed to supporting members working to address bias around sexual orientation and gender identity in our schools.
National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.
About us
Partner with us
Advertise with us