Attendees at the Natomas Pride Community Event and Student Conference held at Natomas Charter School painted a mural with the Progress Pride Flag.
District holds its first-ever LGBTQ+ student conference
April 22, 2024
On March 23, Natomas Unified School District held its first LGBTQ+ student conference.
The Natomas Pride Community Event and Student Conference brought students and families from across the district to Natomas Charter School to listen to speakers and meet with community partners.
“Being the most diverse school district in California, a lot of LGBTQ families and students choose to attend schools here in Natomas,” said Natomas Charter School Executive Director Joe Wood. “We started [this event] just as an opportunity to really have kids have a safe place and a place where they can feel affirmed and supported as individuals in our community.”
The conference consisted of two speakers: one focused on LGBTQ+ history and a second on the legal rights and protections for K-12 LGBTQ+ students. In between those speakers students and families were able to meet with approximately 20 community partners that provide resources for LGBTQ+ students. The partners included the Sacramento Police Department, CSU Sacramento and UC Davis, along with LGBTQ+-focused organizations such as the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, PFLAG Sacramento and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center.
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The event was planned by students and staff from Natomas USD, Natomas Charter School, Westlake Charter School and NP3 Charter School. The pride clubs from each organization were integral to the planning of the event.
“I wanted to make sure our students have a voice,” said Ellie McLaughlin, president of the Natomas Charter School Pride Club.
Attendees were also able to help paint a community mural that featured the Pride Progress Flag. The day concluded with a student panel discussing the needs of LGBTQ+ students in the community.
“I think what’s really the most critical is to let the students and let LGBTQ students know that Natomas School District is here for them, their school board members are here for them ... and that the community is here for them,” said Noel Mora, Board of Trustees Member for Natomas Unified School District.
From left, Natomas USD Board of Trustees Member Noel Mora, Natomas Charter School Executive Director Joe Wood and Chair of the Natomas Charter School Board of Directors Jennifer Morgan.
On March 23, Natomas Unified School District held its first LGBTQ+ student conference.