Explore LGBTQ+ Programming for SXSW EDU 2025

SXSW EDU’s programming reflects what makes the education sector so special – a commitment to supporting diverse communities and the power of learning to be a springboard to opportunities (or that unite us all) This year, we’re excited to showcase sessions that explore LGBTQ+ inclusive education and practices that support marginalized groups. From sharing strategies to create welcoming spaces for transgender and gender non-conforming students, to developing comprehensive, whole-school approaches to LGBTQ+ inclusion, these sessions offer invaluable insights for building more inclusive learning environments.

Find inspiration from the perspective of advocates who provide hope, queer educators who share insights, and school leaders who contextualize the roadblocks they face. Innovative queer advocates will take the stage to share their powerful messages through illuminating and thought-provoking sessions. Here’s a sneak peek at some sessions that are sure to capture your interest if you’re passionate about advancing conversations around queer representation and advocacy.

Explore 2025 Programming:

Join professionals from the It Gets Better Project for the workshop Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Challenging Times, to get insights on LGBTQ+ youth within a lens of vulnerability, informing educators on how they can play an important role in young queer lives, as allies. As we find queer youth under attack in schools, sports, and healthcare. Queer youth’s education plays an incredibly important role when aiding growth, allowing educators to understand the bigger picture, but most importantly, the support that proves most meaningful to queer youth.

To gain a different perspective on the decisions made that support queer youth from a wider standpoint, attend the workshop Developing a Whole-School Approach to LGBTQ+ Inclusion, to understand the real-world roadblocks faced by school leaders when implementing inclusive practices. This workshop will lead attendees through interactive activities and collaborative discussions to unpack the barriers school leaders face, understand what policies imply certain limitations, and how to optimize the space educators have to create maximum impact within one’s community, realistically.

Tune into Trans Teachers Talk Back, a powerful conversation led by transgender educators who are driving change for LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools. This session celebrates the contributions of transgender teachers and highlights their crucial role in shaping the future of education. From an LGBTQ+ perspective, explore ways to foster a more welcoming and supportive environment for transgender and gender-nonconforming staff.

Amongst our LGBTQ+ programming, marginalized communities are also supported and given spaces for conversation within other diversity-based programming. Explore more programming that aims to be inclusive to marginalized communities, in and out of the classroom.

Keep reading for more must-attend sessions designed to make education more equitable for all!

More Programming to Explore:

• Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Challenging Times
• Developing a Whole-School Approach to LGBTQ+ Inclusion
• Trans Teachers Talk Back
• Roundtable: Promoting DEI Practices & Policies
• Empathy inEquity: Navigating an Anti-DEI Literary Landscape
• Roundtable: Amplifying Underrepresented Voices in Arts Education
• Drag Story Hour in the Expo

Don’t Miss Out On SXSW EDU 2025

Register and book your hotel today to break new ground in education through compelling sessions, in-depth workshops, mentorship, film screenings, trailblazing competitions, a dynamic expo, networking opportunities, and so much more at SXSW EDU from March 3-6, 2025.

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Photo by Tico Mendoza.