ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book addresses how to evaluate curriculum, pedagogy, and school environments, and how to identify personal/professional goals for taking allied actions as educators. It begins with an introduction to sociocultural and critical frameworks for understanding gender and sexual diversity, with a particular focus on gender nonconforming, transgender, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) children and youth. The book explores effective practices to support gender diversity and LGBTQ advocacy and inclusion in elementary, middle, and high school contexts, with a particular focus on curriculum, pedagogy, school environment, and applications of antidiscrimination law and policy and twenty-first-century learning skills of creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Building gender-diverse and LGBTQ-inclusive school environments enhances social-emotional relationships among children and youth, families, and school staff. Inclusive environments support overall wellness, academic achievement, and growth and development for all children and youth.
