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ACSA LGBTQ+ Network defines its mission
September 2, 2024
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The following was written by the ACSA LGBTQ+ Network.
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” Audre Lorde, a queer, African-American poet, provided us with a call to action in this quote. She challenges us to reflect on our ability to recognize, accept and celebrate differences. At ACSA, we accepted that challenge.
Last school year, ACSA’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Department created new networks, each one to support particular communities not traditionally represented. One of those is the LGBTQ+ Network, which is made up of administrators from the queer community, as well as allies and co-conspirators. Currently, there are about 105 leaders who are a part of the LGBTQ+ Network, and the numbers continue to grow.
After another amazing Lead With Pride Summit last April, the LGBTQ+ Network gathered to determine the purpose of the network and future actions. Participants seamlessly created four areas of focus:
  • Advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Professional development.
  • Research.
  • Support for queer administrators.
During its last meeting in July, members worked collaboratively to fine tune short-, mid-, and long-term goals for each of these areas. Attendees also drafted a mission statement, which is as follows:
“The ACSA LGBTQ Network’s mission is to empower and support the educational LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, education, and inclusion. We strive to create a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment for all individuals, especially for administrators, so that they may better serve our students and the adults who support them.
“We are committed to: advocacy, research, professional development, and support for administrators.”
If you are interested in joining the LGBTQ+ Network and supporting these areas visit: acsa.org/equity.
FYI
Save the Date
ACSA's 2025 Lead With Pride Summit, April 30-May 2 in Anaheim. Sign up for event updates at acsa.org/leadwithpride.
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