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School leaders across the country are talking more with students and families about pronoun use, bathrooms and other facets of gender identity. The conversations are vital to building a safe space for all children.

, LGBTQ students are more likely to be bullied and harassed, which can lead to a higher risk of suicide.

Those students often turn to teachers or school staff for help. Someone who is supportive and creates a safe place for these students can make a big difference, said Kelly Holstine, director of educational equity at OutFront Minnesota.

But as gender and sexual identity have evolved, many teachers and families don't really know how to talk about it.

Holstine, a teacher-turned-advocate, and Dr. Angela Kade Goepferd, a pediatrician specializing in gender health, joined host Angela Davis to explain how to navigate talking with children about gender and how to create an inclusive environment for all students at school.

Dr. Angela Kade Goepferd, pediatrician and medical director of 

Children’s Minnesota’s Center for Gender Health

Kelly Holstine, director of educational equity at 

Learn more: Guest-recommended sources

Safe and inclusive K-12 schools for LGBTQ youth

Gender sensitive environments for all children

For LGBTQ people and their families

Transgender Toolkit

LGBTQ equality

Crisis intervention for LGBTQ people under 25

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Angela Davis

Author

Karen Zamora

School leaders are talking more with students and families about pronoun use, bathrooms and other facets of gender identity. A pediatrician specializing in gender health and a teacher-turned-advocate share their advice with MPR News.

Schools are navigating how to talk to students and families about gender -- including identity, pronouns, and bathrooms. How can we create a healthy and inclusive environment for all students? A pediatrician specializing in gender health and teacher-turned-advocate share their advice.

Navigating gender identity at school

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