The Need

According to the 2019 GLSEN Kansas School Climate survey, just over half of Kansas students say they have access to LGBTQ-related library resources at school.

Just 12% of Kansas students say they were taught positive representations of LGBTQ people, history, or events at school. A collection of texts that positively represent LGBTQ+ characters and historical figures is critical for any school to be an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students and those with LGBTQ+ family members.

Overview

Thanks to the leadership of the GLSEN Kansas and GLSEN Kansas City, Rainbow Library Kansas has sent LGBTQ+ affirming text sets to over 150 schools and libraries across Kansas - for free.

Each school that applied received one Rainbow Library set, which contains 10 LGBTQ+ affirming grade-aligned books, as well as posters and supplemental resources. School-aged readers are encouraged to submit Rainbow Reader Reviews about Rainbow Library books through the Rainbow Library website.

At the Kansas Rainbow Reader Summit, youth, families, librarians, and school staff will virtually come together from across the state to hear from an author of an LGBTQ affirming book, get to know area LGBTQ organizations, and win prizes. Readers who had submitted top-quality Rainbow Reader Reviews about Rainbow Library books in advance of the event are recognized with awards at the event.

Request a Rainbow Library for Your
Kansas School or Library

Find a Kansas LGBTQ+
Community Center

LGBTQ+ Community Centers offer programming for LGBTQ+ youth, such as group meetups, Queer Prom, volunteer opportunities, and LGBTQ+ focused scholarships. Many Centers have virtual programming during COVID-19 closures.

LGBTQ+ Community Centers

The Center of Wichita
800 N Market St.

Wichita, KS 67214

(316) 285-0007

thecenterofwichita@gmail.com

Kansas City Center for Inclusion

3911 Main Street

Kansas City, Missouri 64111

816-753-7770

info@inclusivekc.org

Additional Kansas LGBTQ+ Organizations/Resources

Wichita LGBTQ Health