Pride Portal

This Pride Portal is a hub for information and tools to help increase the capacity of staff and schools to address the needs of LGBTQ+ students and families. This site is regularly updated. Reach out to LGBTQ Student Services with questions or requests for technical assistance.

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Elementary & Secondary Resource Pages

These pages include recommended grade-level lessons, activities and more!

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LGBTQ+ Books in SFUSD libraries (PK-5)

Coordinate a rainbow read-aloud at your school! All titles are already available in your school library. A printout list can be found here.

New Titles
TK-3
Grandad's Camper By Harry Woodgate		Gramps and Grandad were adventurers. They would surf, climb mountains, and tour the country in their amazing camper. But after Gramps died, granddad hasn't felt like traveling anymore. So, their amazing granddaughter comes up with a clever plan to fix up the old camper and get Grandad excited to explore again.
Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle By Nina LaCour		A little girl stays home with Mama when Mommy goes off on a work trip in this tender, inviting story that will resonate with every child who has missed a parent.
Over the Shop By Jonaro Lawson		In a beautifully detailed wordless picture book, a tumbledown building becomes home sweet home for a found family, opening the doors to acceptance of people for who they are and to fill your home with love and joy.
Rainbow Parade By Emily Neilson		One day in June, Mommy, Mama, and Emily take the train into the city to watch the Rainbow Parade. The three of them love how all the people in the street are so loud, proud, and colorful, but when Mama suggests they join the parade, Emily feels nervous.
Gr3-5
Pink, Blue, and You: Questions for Kids about Gender Stereotypes By Elise Gravel and Mykaell Blais		Is it okay for boys to cry? Can girls be strong? Should girls and boys be given different toys to play with and different clothes to wear? Should we all feel free to love whoever we choose to love? This kid-friendly picture book raises these questions and others relating to gender roles, acceptance, and stereotyping.
47,000 Beads by Koja & Angel Adeyoha		Peyton loves to dance, and especially at Pow Wow, but her Auntie notices that she’s been dancing less and less. When Peyton shares that she isn't comfortable wearing a dress anymore, Auntie Eyota asks some friends for help to get Peyton what she needs.
Stitch by Stitch: Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt By Rob Sanders		From the blanket that his great-grandmother made for him as a boy, to the friends he gathered together in San Francisco as a young man, to the idea for a monument sewn of fabric and thread, Cleve Jones’ extraordinary life seems to have been stitched together bit by bit, piece by piece.
What are Your Words? A Book About Pronouns By Katherine Locke		Whenever Ari's Uncle Lior comes to visit, they ask Ari one question: "What are your words?" Some days Ari uses she/her. Other days Ari uses he/him. But on the day of the neighborhood's big summer bash, Ari doesn't know what words to use.
Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring By Matthew Burgess		Drawing on Walls is a tender and beautifully written biography of Haring's short life.

Books Already Available in SFUSD libraries
TK-2
The Great Big Book of Families By Mary Hoffman		This fun and fascinating treasure features all kinds of families and their lives together. Each spread showcases one aspect of home life - from houses and holidays, to schools and pets, to feelings and family trees.
Introducing Teddy By Jessica Walton		One sunny day, Errol finds that Thomas the Teddy is sad, and Errol can't figure out why. Then Thomas the Teddy finally tells Errol what Teddy has been afraid to say: 'In my heart, I've always known that I'm a girl Teddy, not a boy Teddy.' And Errol says, 'I don't care …What matters is that you are my friend.'
It’s Okay to Be Different By Todd Parr		Bright bold colors help deliver the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and confidence in an accessible, child-friendly format. This book will inspire kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence.
All Families Are Special By Norma Simon, Kathy tucker, Teresa Flavin		When Mrs. Mack says she will soon be a grandmother, her students realize that teachers have families just like they do! Suddenly everyone in the class wants to share information about his or her own unique family.
And Tango Makes Three By Justin Richarson, Peter Parnell, Henry Cole		This illustrated children's book fictionalizes the true story of two male penguins who became partners and raised a penguin chick in the Central Park Zoo.
Annie’s Plaid Shirt By Stacy B Davids		Annie loves her plaid shirt and wears it everywhere. But one day her mom tells Annie that she must wear a dress to her uncle's wedding. Annie protests, but her mom insists and buys her a fancy new dress anyway. Annie is miserable. She feels weird in dresses. Why can't her mom understand? Then Annie has an idea. But will her mom agree?
Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope By Jodie Patterson		Jodie Patterson, activist and Chair of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Board, shares her transgender son's experience in this important picture book about identity and acceptance.
From all the Stars in the Sky to All the Fish in the Sea By Kai Cheng		A children’s picture book that incorporates lush visual storytelling with poetic language to tell the tale of a magical gender variant child who brings transformation and change to the world around them with the help of their mother’s love. This unique children’s book honors timeless fairy-tale themes while challenging gender, racial, and body stereotypes.
Jacob’s New Dress By Sarah Hoffman		Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can be anything he wants to be. Some kids at school say he can't wear "girl" clothes, but Jacob wants to wear a dress to school. Can he convince his parents to let him wear what he wants? This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges faced by boys who don't identify with traditional gender roles.
Julián is a Mermaid By Jessica Love		Julián wants to become a mermaid and participate in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world.
One of a Kind Like Me/Único Como Yo By Laurin Mayeno		Tomorrow is the school parade, and Danny knows exactly what he will be: a princess. Mommy supports him 100%, and they race to the thrift store to find his costume. It's almost closing time; will Danny find the costume of his dreams in time? This unique book that lifts up children who don't fit gender stereotypes, and reflects the power of a loving and supportive community.
Sparkle Boy By Lesléa Newman		Casey loves to play with his blocks, puzzles, and dump trucks, but he also loves things that sparkle. The adults in Casey's life embrace his interests, but his friends aren’t so sure. A sweet, heartwarming story about acceptance, respect, and the freedom to be yourself in a world where any gender expression should be celebrated.
Uncle Bobby’s Wedding By Sarah S Brannen		Bobby and Jamie are getting married, but Bobby's niece Chloe is worried that she won't be his favorite person anymore. Will Uncle Bobby still think she is special? The story is set in an alternative family but keeps its focus where it truly belongs: on an uncle and niece's love for each other.
When Aidan Became a Brother By Kyle Luckoff		When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. His parents gave him a pretty name, his room looked like a girl's room, and he wore clothes that other girls liked wearing. After he realized he was a trans boy, Aidan and his parents fixed the parts of life that didn't fit anymore, and he settled happily into his new life.
Worm Loves Worm By JJ Austrian		When a worm meets a special worm and they fall in love, you know what happens next: They get married! But their friends want to know—who will wear the dress? And who will wear the tux? The answer is: It doesn't matter. Because Worm loves Worm.

Gr3-5
Melissa (formerly George) By Alex Gino		When people look at Melissa, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. Melissa thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. Melissa really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part . . . because she's a boy.
Gracefully Grayson By Ami Polonski		Alone at home, twelve-year-old Grayson Sender glows, immersed in beautiful thoughts and dreams. But at school, Grayson grasps at shadows, determined to fly under the radar. Because Grayson has been holding onto a secret for what seems like forever: “he” is a girl on the inside, stuck in the wrong gender’s body.
The Harvey Milk Story By Kari Krakow		This biography tells the story of the first openly gay elected city official in the United States, beginning with his childhood and taking us through his years in the Navy and career as a teacher. Harvey Milk was assassinated in 1978, becoming a martyr for the cause of gay rights in the U.S.
I Am Jazz By Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings		The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere
In Our Mother’s House By Patricia Polacco		Marmee, Meema, and the kids are just like any other family on the block. But some of the other families don't accept them. They say they are different. How can a family have two moms and no dad? But Marmee and Meema's house is full of love. And they teach their children that different doesn't mean wrong.
It Feels Good to Be Yourself By Theresa Thorn		A picture book that introduces the concept of gender identity to the youngest reader. Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither, or somewhere in between. This sweet, straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understanding of themselves and others.
King and King By Linda de Haan		Once there lived a lovelorn prince whose mother decreed that he must marry by the end of the summer. So began the search to find the prince's perfect match and lo and behold... his name was Lee. You are cordially invited to join the merriest, most unexpected wedding of the year.
PRIDE: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag By Rob Sanders		Trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today’s world. A story of love, hope, equality, and pride.
Stonewall By Rob Sanders		A powerful and timeless true story that will allow young readers to discover the rich and dynamic history of the Stonewall Inn and its role in the gay civil rights movement--a movement that continues to this very day.
The Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets By Gale E. Pitman		The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous, often violent demonstrations by members of the gay (LGBTQ+) community in reaction to a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan (grades 5-12).
Who Are You? The Kids Guide to Gender Identity By Brook Pessin-Whedbee		This brightly illustrated children's book presents clear and direct language for understanding and talking about how we experience gender: our bodies, our expression and our identity.