Parent notification not required as LA schools offer ‘Rainbow Club’ for students as young as 4

The Los Angeles Unified School District is offering an LGBT “Rainbow Club” for elementary students as young as 4, according to a flier shared online.

Houman David Hemmati posted the flier to X, formerly known as Twitter, and said he received it from “a teacher at Los Angeles Unified School district who wishes to remain anonymous.”

According to the flier, the group will meet virtually for one hour every Wednesday, from Sept. 15 to Nov. 15.

The school district also shared the flier in English and Spanish on a “Human Relations Diversity and Equity” webpage, under the Student Health & Human Services department. 

The district will also host other LGBT events throughout the school year, including a “Virtual LGBTQ+ Pride Drop-In for Middle School & High School Students”, as well as a support group for parents, “Inclusive & Affirming Schools,” and caregivers of “LGBTQ+ students.”  

LAUSD also shared an activity guide of “art, books, games, and other activities related to LGBTQ+ identity for elementary students.” It explains how Rainbow Clubs are “inclusive spaces for elementary students to explore LGBTQ+ related topics.” 

The materials claim that these clubs “contribute to a safe, affirming, welcoming and healthy school environment,” and note “parent notification is not required” for club participation.  

The group activities start by discussing the students’ identities and drawing a picture of their family or “their village,” after which they discuss gender identities, LGBT films, and LGBT liberation and history.  

One activity includes reading It Feels Good to Be Yourself, a book about children identifying as non-binary, both genders or transgender.  

Another recommended book is Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution, about two “trans women of color who sparked the modern LGBTQIA2 movement.” 

Some of the activities suggest using songs and videos related to gender identity during the activities. One of these include the song “We Royal,” described as an “anthem that celebrates trans, gender non conforming, non-binary and two spirit people.” 

While LA Unified has a district-wide “Rainbow Club,” individual schools are encouraged to start school-specific clubs, as well, even providing five steps on how educators can launch them:

• Finding a colleague to partner with and sharing the ideas with an administrator; 
• Scheduling a staff Professional Development staff and parent workshop with Human Relations Diversity and Equity; 
• Promoting the club, including by having students make posters and announcements; 
• Planning some activities based on the activity guide; 
• Connecting with Schoology groups to connect with others involved in the “Rainbow Club.” 

The Lion reached out to Kristina Southern and Cristina Vigil, whose names were listed on the flier, for comment, but they did not respond in time for publication.