Live & In Color
Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month for 9-12
Ahhh, high school. Remember when the most important facet of your life was who you had a crush on—or who you were dating. Without healthy discussions about gender & sexuality, this preoccupation with sexuality follows people for the rest of their life—and the intent is far from friendly. This playlist includes resources that are developmentally appropriate for discussing gender & sexuality with high school students. It will set the stage for considerate dialogue by establishing clear parameters and inspiring an empathetic understanding of varied perspectives.

The Pride Guide
Finding the Words to Say
When Did You Become Gay? | PBS
In this episode of the “What I Hear When You Say” series, members of the LGBTQ community break down why it’s problematic to regard queer identity as outside of social norms or assume that sexual identity is a choice.
Core Vocabulary + Do’s and Don’ts | Safe Zone Project
Because terminology related to sexual and gender identity evolves so quickly, it’s helpful to have something to refer to when attempting to explain some of the most commonly used words. It also includes a list of words and phrases, some well-intentioned, that can be harmful or offensive and suggestions for more appropriate language.
The Safe Zone has also provided an activity that can be used to explore these materials. Find it here.
Unheard Voices | GLSEN
This phenomenal resource could provide days worth of lessons all on its own. GLSEN, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and StoryCorps have joined forces to document the stories of individuals who have helped shape LGBT history. The listener dives into topics such as marriage equality and the effects of the AIDS epidemic on gay communities from the people who played active roles in these moments in history. In addition to the audio interviews there are a variety of handouts and full lesson plans.
This American Life Segments | WBEZ Chicago
Each week This American Life chronicles the lives of some of our nation’s most compelling people. Here are two stories from the podcast that we think are perfect for the topics discussed in this playlist.
Trailbreaker
A son comes out to his family. Then his mother uses her son’s coming out as a litmus test to see how the family will respond…when she finally comes out too.
And Daddy Makes Three
Six-year-old DJ has two dads but has some puzzling ideas about gay marriage.
This American Life Segments worksheet | Kiddom
This worksheet serves as a supplement to the This American Life audio assignment above. Students will not only have access to a transcript of both stories, but can also reflect upon what they’ve heard by answering questions about both stories.
Extension Activity: 25 Years of Coming Out | NBC News
Published in honor of National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 this timeline profiles some of the countless actors, athletes, musicians, and political figures who have come out over the past quarter century. By pairing this with the Morningside Center lesson plan, students can consider other questions about coming out.
- What is the difference between coming out as a public figure and coming out as an average individual who has limited public visibility?
- What are some of the things these public figures may have faced professionally by coming out to the world? What were the risks they faced by opening up publicly?
- Would it be harder to come out in certain professions? For example, would a politician face more scrutiny than a pop star in coming out to the world?
Kaleidoscopes
The Sexuality & Gender Spectrum
Bill Nye on Sexuality & Gender Spectrum
We know there’s female, male, gay, and straight. But science is telling us that sexual and gender identity isn’t that simple. All humans exist on a spectrum when it comes to gender, expression and attraction. These endless combinations are what make up our unique identities.
A Crash Course in Gender Identity | Sex, Etc.
This article can be used to introduce terminology related to sexuality and gender, while exploring the differences between the various categories of identity.
Know the Difference Poster | Teaching Tolerance
This poster clearly outlines the differences between sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, as distinct concepts that combine to form the diverse spectrum of our identities.
The Gender Unicorn | Transstudent.org
This infographic illustrates the sliding scales associated with the identity spectrum. Invite your students to investigate the complexities of their own identities by filling out their own, plotting out where they fall on the spectrum for each category.
Eboni Hogan
Eboni has extensive experience in curriculum development, with a focus on culturally-responsive and arts-based approaches. Having spent years creating academic content and providing professional development to teachers, she now curates themed playlists meant to provide educators with valuable, time-saving resources.
Teacher Resources
What Does Gay Mean? | Welcoming Schools
Tips on how to navigate these kinds of discussions with younger students through direct and clear communication.
6-12 Year Olds Talk About Gays and Lesbians | Teaching Tolerance
There’s no such thing as too young to discuss identity and sexual orientation. This video proves they’re already formulating ideas and sharing information amongst themselves.
Mimi’s Mom | Teaching Tolerance
Engaging with LGBT parents
Rainbow Book List: Books for Children & Teens | glbtrt.ala.orgÂ
Black History Month Teaching Playlists
Through interactive content, primary sources, lesson plans & articles, inspire students to think critically about how their actions contribute to a more equitable future.
For Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Voting-Themed Teaching Playlists
Use these voting-themed blended learning teaching resources to help children of all ages understand the importance of voting and why their voice matters.Â
For Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Want to create your own themed teaching playlist?
