Recently I attended the AIMS Gender and Sexual Orientation Diversity conference at Sandy Spring Friends School. The keynote speaker Eva Fury, who is the Impact Design Coordinator of the STAR TRACK adolescent health program, gave a powerful presentation on moving forward and how to ensure all of our school spaces are safe and inclusive.

I found myself reflecting on how, at Burgundy, we have moved forward by establishing affinity groups in our Middle School (LGBTQIA & Allies, Black Student Union, and Feminists Forward). Still, at times and unknowingly, in many spaces we force students to choose or conform based on structure and organization. Examining some of our school policies, field trips, accessibility to gender-neutral bathrooms, the location of locker rooms and separate space for gender-non-confirming individuals presents an issue for many schools. For instance, the bathrooms at our outdoor pool are labeled “boys” and “girls” and do not provide an option near the water for a student who is more comfortable using a gender-neutral restroom.

We have taken action steps within our community to help students feel seen. As noted in the presentation, representation truly matters; it is important for students to see themselves on the walls in the classroom and in the material we teach. This raises the question: although we act with thoughtful intentions, do we provide enough spaces without forcing our students to feel marginalized in trying to access what they need? In our daily instruction and teaching methodology, we try to adhere to all learning styles. The same attention should be applied in reflecting upon how our teaching materials and subject areas may sometimes unintentionally only speak to heterosexuals. It is possible that during a biology lesson or health class, even using a progressive model may fail to make room for everyone.

My plan for using what I learned in my classes begins with wearing my pronoun pin to indicate my preferred pronoun. As an advisor of the LGBTQIA & Allies affinity group, I plan on pushing forward and speaking for all of our students, whether it is regarding an overnight field trip and lodging for boys/girls, spaces on our campus, or representation in our classrooms. I have a responsibility to our students and continue to dig deeper, creating room for dynamic facilitation and creating spaces that are not only safe but also allow our students to express different ways of being. I plan on speaking with fellow faculty and staff about the need to lean in and embrace moments of growth even when it feels uncomfortable or foreign. Listening openly often leads to action and change.

A recurring theme that resonated with me throughout the workshop was, “If you do not have to think about it, it’s a privilege.” I am proud of the changes we have within our amazing school community and look forward to finding more ways for all of our students to feel seen, safe, and special.