At Berkeley Unified School District, we are committed to fostering inclusivity, understanding, and empowerment for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. This space is designed to provide resources, support, and a sense of community for those navigating their journey, whether it’s about self-discovery, advocacy or allyship.
The District is committed to providing and fostering an educational environment that is safe, welcoming, and free from stigma and discrimination for all students, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or gender expression.
Every student has the right to attend school free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and intimidation and have equal access to the District’s educational programs, services, and activities. District policy requires that all schools and district personnel promote welcoming school communities through mutual respect and acceptance among students and staff.
Through LGBTQ+ policies and regulations, supports and resources, the District facilitates compliance with Title IX and California Education Codes to ensure that all sexual minority youth, transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming students have the opportunity to express and assert themselves in a manner that is authentic to them.
Here you will find:
- Policies and Important Forms
- District Resources and Organizations
- Community Organization:
- Support Services:
- Resources for Families
- Resources for Educators:
- Uplifting LBGTQ+ Voices
Berkeley Unified School District stands firmly against discrimination and hate in all forms. We stand behind our diverse student body to achieve academic excellence and make positive contributions to the world where everyone feels safe, valued and celebrated.
BUSD Policies and Important Forms
Transgender Rights & Accommodations
Gender and Name Change Instructions
Gender and Name Change Form
Resolution Reaffirming Support for Transgender and Gender Expansive Children and Youth
Gender Identity and Access Board Policy 5157
Gender Identity and Access Administrative Regulation 5157
Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students Board Policy 5159
Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students Administrative Regulation 5145.3
BUSD Resources and Organizations
Gender Inclusive School Alliance – parent/caregiver support group for children identifying as transgender, non-binary, or questioning, including peer groups for youth. Contact via gender-inclusive-schools-alliance@googlegroups.com
BUSD Rainbow Families – school site specific clubs bringing together students, staff and parents/caregivers in support of LGBTQ+ students and families. Contact school principals for contact information.
Welcoming School Liaisons – school site specific focal points in BUSD elementary schools designated to ensure safe and inclusive learning environments for LGBTQ+ students and their families. Contact school principals for contact information.
BHS Alliance of Gender Expansive Students (AGES) – The mission of the club is to be a safe space for transgender/gender expansive students, work to improve the school environment and raise awareness around related issues, as well as provide resources for trans students at Berkeley High. Contact faculty advisor Laura Gorrin via lauragorrin
BHS Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) – The mission of the club is to provide a safe and accepting space to all those queer and questioning, and to provide a space to meet other LGBTQ+ students at Berkeley High. Contact faculty advisor Kelly Boylan via kellyboylan
Community Organizations
Pacific Center for Human Growth: Founded in 1973, Pacific Center for Human Growth is the oldest LGBTQIA+ center in the Bay Area, located downtown Berkeley, and operates the only sliding scale mental health clinic for LGBTQIA+ and QTBIPOC people and their families in Alameda County. Includes Youth Programs.
Our Family Coalition: Our Family Coalition advances equity for the full and expanding spectrum of LGBTQ families and children through support, education, and advocacy.
Somos Familia: Somos Familia builds leadership in our Latinx families and communities to create a culture where people of diverse genders and sexual orientations can thrive.
PFLAG Oakland-East Bay: Local chapter of the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
Family Acceptance Project: LGBTQ youth and families resources to decrease mental health risks and promote well‐being.
Gender Spectrum: Gender Spectrum works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens. Child, teen, and parenting support groups.
Trevor Project: National organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) young people ages 13-24.
Support Hotlines
Trevor Project: Service for LGBTQ Youth. Text TREVOR to 202-304-1200 / Call 1-866-4-U-TREVOR.
Trans Lifeline: Provides peer support for the trans community. Run by and for trans people. Call 1-877-565-8860.
Crisis Textline: Free 24/7 support at your fingertips. Text HOME to 741-741.
Resources for Families
Our Children: Questions and answers for loved ones of lesbian, gay, bisexual+, transgender, queer, and questioning people.
Supporting Families, Health Children: Helping families with lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender children.
Supportive vs. Rejecting Parenting Behaviors: guide for parents on supportive parenting which can significantly affect our children’s positive outlook on their lives, their mental health and their self-esteem.
Guide to Being a Trans Ally: resource for people who are not LGBTQ+ to understand why their voices are critical to achieving equality for all, and provide them with the information and tools to effectively raise their voices.
Supporting Your LGBTQ+ Grandchild: offers support for grandparents about what to do when a grandchild comes out.
Resources for Educators
Gender Diversity Curriculum & Resource Guide
Welcoming Schools Starter Kit
GSA Club Advisor Handbook
Pride Reading List
Pride Month Resource Guide
Harvey Milk+ Day Resource Guide
GLSEN Developing LGBTQ-Inclusive Classroom Resources
Transgender, Non-Binary & Gender Fluid Reading Lists
LGBTQ Resources & Curriculums
Best Practices for Gender Inclusive Leadership
Gender Expansive Resources for Staff
Creating an Affirming School for Gender Expansive Students
For general inquiries related to LGBTQ+ district policies and practices, specific issues or complaints of discrimination, harassment, bullying or intimidation of students, based on actual or perceived protected characteristics such as sex; sex stereotypes; sex characteristics; sexual orientation; gender; gender identity; gender expression contact District’s Title IX Coordinator:
Jasmina Viteskic
District Title IX Coordinator/Compliance Officer
Berkeley Unified School District
2020 Bonar Street, Room 117, Berkeley CA 94702
Phone: (510) 486-9338 | Email: complaints@berkeley.net
