Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students: Resources for Maryland Schools

Every school in Maryland has an important responsibility and legal obligation to develop and maintain safe and inclusive learning environments for all students. Students who feel unwelcome or unsafe cannot be fully present for learning. We must remain committed to providing environments that allow our students to achieve their full academic and social potential. This webpage serves as a centralized hub for schools, administrators, educators, and families seeking guidance for supporting our LGBTQIA+ students across the State.

The resources compiled are designed to address the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ students, ensuring they feel respected, supported, and empowered to thrive. Whether you're a school leader looking to implement inclusive policies, an educator seeking professional development opportunities, or a family member wanting to better support an LGBTQIA+ student, this site provides practical tools, resources, and best practices. Together, we can create an educational environment where every student, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels valued and included.


  • Understand the legal rights and protections for LGBTQIA+ students, including state and federal laws against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in public schools.

  • Access tools and guidance for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and superintendents to implement inclusive policies and create welcoming environments that support LGBTQIA+ students across districts.

  • Find strategies for educators and school staff to foster inclusive classrooms, address bullying, use affirming language, and integrate LGBTQIA+ topics into the curriculum for a respectful and supportive school environment.


MSDE is committed to ensuring that all students have access to an education free from fear and uncertainty. By working together, schools, educators, and communities can create a welcoming environment where every student can thrive.


Other MSDE Resources

  • Nondiscrimination in Education Procedure

    A student or parent/guardian of a student who alleges discrimination may file a complaint with the State Superintendent. Access existing nondiscrimination policies to ensure equal access to education for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

  • Bullying Prevention & School Climate

    Resources to help schools utilize clear reporting procedures, prevent and respond to bullying, promote inclusion, and ensure student safety.

  • Title IX: Applicable Guidance and Compliance

    Understand the key provisions of Title IX and access the Maryland Title IX Coordinator List.




Can transgender students still use their chosen names and pronouns at school?

Yes, transgender students may continue to use their chosen names and pronouns at school. Maryland state law prohibits discrimination against LGBTQIA+ students, prospective students, and the families of current and prospective students in public PreK -12 education, as well as in private PreK-12 education in schools that receive state funding. This law also applies to local boards of education, as well as to public pre-kindergarten programs.

A student is not required to legally change their name or gender to use a chosen name and/or pronouns that are in accordance with their gender identity. The student or their family can simply notify their school of the name and pronouns they would like to use. Please see the “Name and Gender” section of our Safe and Supportive Schools for All Students: Creating Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Youth guidance (October 2024).


What can I do if I believe my child is being bullied or harassed by another student or adult in the school?

Families that believe their child is being bullied, for any reason, can use the LEA Bullying Reporting Form to report incidents to their LEA for investigation. For more information on this process, please visit our Bullying Prevention page.


What options are available if I believe my school or local board of education is discriminating against me or my child based on sexual orientation or gender identity?

Discrimination on the basis of a number of protected classes, including sexual orientation and gender identity, is illegal under Maryland State law. Each local education agency (LEA) has anti-discrimination policies and a process for filing discrimination complaints with the local superintendent. Please consult your LEA’s website, board policies, and/or student handbook to find out more information about filing a complaint.

If a student or their parent/guardian believe they have been discriminated against based on their race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, they also have the right to file a complaint directly with the State Superintendent of Schools. For more information on how to access this process, please see our Nondiscrimination in Education Procedure.

MSDE’s existing guidance and resources for supporting LGBTQIA+ youth remain in place as a resource for LEAs and school leaders.

In October 2024, MSDE updated and re-issued Safe and Supportive Schools for All Students: Creating Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Youth. This comprehensive guidance includes legal frameworks, professional development, inclusive curriculum, tiered supports, and best practices.

In addition, MSDE issued Non-Discrimination Guidelines for Student Gender Transitions in December 2024, which provides guidance to LEAs on creating safe and affirming environments, protecting student privacy, and working with parents of transgender-identifying youth.


Key Resources:


MSDE Superintendent Updates:

It is crucial for educators and school leaders to create and maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment that honors and values the diverse and intersecting identities of all students. In addition to reviewing and implementing existing MSDE guidance (see LEA and Superintendent Resources), the Department is highlighting some potential steps to reinforce the LEA’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ youth and families:

  • Communicate with the school community, including school leaders, educators and staff, families, and students about the LEA’s existing policies, procedures, and expectations related to gender identity and expression. Revisiting LEA policies and procedures with school-level staff can help to ensure consistent implementation.

  • Implement the LEA’s anti-bullying, harassment, and intimidation policies. If school staff witness incidents that create a risk of harm to students or interfere with the educational environment, they should report these instances using the LEA Bullying Reporting Form. Students and families should be reminded of their ability to also file a report.

  • MSDE is launching the six-part Bullying Prevention Webinar Series (February through May 2025) to equip educators with data-driven strategies for preventing and addressing bullying, harassment, and intimidation in Maryland schools. The professional learning series will provide practical interventions, targeted support for vulnerable students, and leadership strategies to enhance the school climate. The series is an opportunity to engage with state-specific data, strengthen prevention strategies, and ensure alignment with Maryland’s Model Policy to Address Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation.

  • Provide families with information on how to file Title IX and sex/gender-based discrimination complaints with the LEA, as well as information on filing complaints using the State Nondiscrimination in Education Procedure.

Review student privacy policies to ensure compliance with FERPA and to prevent inadvertent disclosure of sensitive student information.


Additional Resources to Support Educators in Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Youth: