Supporting Gifted LGBTQ+ Students
Like other gifted youth, students with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and/or gender expressions may have strengths in one or more areas of giftedness (i.e., intellectual, creative, artistic, leadership, academic). They are present across genders, cultural and ethnic groups, income levels, geographical locations, religions, and abilities/disabilities. However, unlike most other groups of gifted students, they may not only feel different from other youth because of their giftedness, but also may feel isolated due to sexual identity, gender identity, and/or gender expression.
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) recommends that all educators ensure that all gifted youth with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and/or gender expressions are able to develop and express their personal identities in a school climate that is free from discrimination, harassment, and violence, and that is safe, accepting, and respectful of all people.
