HRC Foundation is honored to have the National Association of School Superintendents as a Project THRIVE partner in our work to create more equitable, inclusive support systems and communities for LGBTQ youth. Project THRIVE will build the skills and capacities of all youth-serving professionals to better meet the needs of LGBTQ young people.

As part of this collaboration to improve equity and inclusion for LGBTQ youth, the NASS invited HRC staff and Youth Ambassadors to address a group of more than 50 superintendents and other high level school district leaders at its annual D.C. Leadership and Advocacy Conference earlier this week.

David Stacy, HRC director of government affairs, opened the session with an overview of the Equality Act and how passage of this legislation will protect LGBTQ students in public schools across the U.S. The NASS endorsed the Equality Act and their members are learning how to bring their unique perspectives as school leaders to educate legislators on the importance of this bill.

Ellen Kahn, HRC Foundation director of programs and partnerships, presented on K-12 LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. Data from HRC's 2017 survey of LGBTQ teens and from the Centers for Disease Control's Youth Risk Behavior Survey highlights the urgency of protecting LGBTQ students from bullying and providing safe, supportive school environments.

To conclude the event, HRC Youth Ambassadors MaKayla, Sameer and Nakiya joined Kahn for a panel discussion. Their open, honest sharing of their best and worst memories captured the attention and the hearts of the audience, ending with a rousing applause and many "selfies" with the young people.

HRC is excited to continue our partnership with the NASS, and we look forward to developing webinars and training to help their members support transgender and non-binary students.

For more information about Project THRIVE, click here.