by Jenna Bloom ’21

MCPS officials announced in early February the creation of an LGBTQ + Studies class. A one-semester elective, the class is expected to start in the Spring of 2021. It will include topics such as LGBTQ+ history and representation, as well as its influence on film, art, music, and social justice. The class will be available to all students, regardless of sexuality or gender identity. 

Due to the wide interest in the course, it will kickstart in an expanded pilot program of 10 schools across Montgomery County. The class will be the first of its kind in the state and even the country. The curriculum is being co-created by both teachers and students, and is still in its development phases. The course is projected to be split into 4 units. Unit 1 will be focused on gender and sexual identity. Until 2 will take a look at resistance and resilience, with a large focus on U.S. history. Unit 3 will be about culture, and Unit 4 will cover some modern and contemporary topics. 

In a world still filled with hate and discrimination, the class aims to give students an opportunity to explore their personal identity, learn about important LGBTQ+ topics, as well as set a precedent for schools across the country to be more inclusive and accepting of their students.