LGBT+ education for the preschool level
There are LGBT+ children and children from LGBT+ families in all schools, and they come in all varieties, just like other children. However, LGBT+ children have in common that they fall outside what is considered the norm or standard in terms of sexual orientation, gender expression, sex characteristics and/or gender identity. Here is a toolkit with LGBT+ education materials for the middle level, which contains various resources such as books, teaching ideas, and videos.
Super Soft Heroes / Super Strong Princesses
Here you can find coloring books with princesses and superheroes that deconstruct stereotypes. The books are by the Swedish artist Linnea Johanson. Subjects: Equality - LGBT+ - Stereotypes - Gender roles - Trans
Books in Icelandic that are good to have and can be very useful
My Family is a book that celebrates the diversity found in modern families and educates children about different family structures.
Júlían er hafmeyja (Julián Is a Mermaid) is a beautifully illustrated book about Julián who loves mermaids and enjoys dressing up as a mermaid. The book comes with teaching guidelines. This book is also available in English.
The Princes and the Treasure is a story about Princes Hugo and Magnus who get married at the end of the tale.
When Rósa was Ragnar / When Friðrik was Fríða is a book intended to spark discussions with young children about gender roles and equality. The book comes with teaching guidelines.
Be Yourself is a book that tells colorful stories of diversity and encourages open-mindedness and prejudice-free attitudes.
Books in English that can be very useful
A Family Is a Family Is a Family is a book in English about diverse family structures. The topic covers equality, LGBT+ issues, and stereotypes.
A Plan for Pops is a book in English about a young boy who spends a lot of time with his gay grandfather.
And Tango Makes Three is a book that can be used to discuss LGBT+ issues with the youngest generation. Subjects: Equality - LGBT+
Are You a Boy or a Girl? is a book in English that is useful for discussing LGBT+ topics with the youngest generation.
Heather Has Two Mommies is about a child with two moms. Subjects: Equality - LGBT+
I am Jazz is a book in English about a transgender girl named Jazz. The book comes with teaching guidelines.
Introducing Teddy: A Gentle Story about Gender and Friendship is about gender and friendship. Subjects: Equality - LGBT+ - Trans
It Feels Good to be Yourself: a book about gender identity discusses gender identity and can help discuss the topic respectfully.
It's Okay to be Different is a book in English that celebrates diversity. Subjects: Equality - LGBT+ - Trans
Jacob's New Dress is a book in English about Jacob, who enjoys wearing dresses. Subjects: Equality - LGBT+ - Transgender - Stereotypes
Julián at the Wedding is a beautifully illustrated book in English about Julián who loves mermaids. This sequel tells the story of when Julián goes to a wedding.
Gender is Diverse is a beautiful picture book about gender identity and gender expression.
Love Makes a Family is about diversity and what makes a family a family. Subjects: Equality - LGBT+
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress is a book about a young boy who loves to wear his favorite dress and does not let others' prejudice stop him.
Not All Princesses Dress in Pink is a book that shows princesses doing a variety of things in all kinds of clothes, such as competing in sports and using tools. The topic covers equality, LGBT+ issues, stereotypes, and gender roles.
Phoenix Goes to School: a Story to Support Transgender and Gender Diverse Children is about a trans girl named Phoenix and her first day at a new school.
Sparkle Boy is a book in English about a boy named Casey who loves everything that sparkles and shines. The topic covers equality, LGBT+ issues, stereotypes, and gender roles.
The Sissy Duckling is a book about a duckling who goes his own way. Subjects: Equality - LGBT+ - Stereotypes - Gender roles - Trans
When Aidan Became a Brother is a book about a trans boy.
Who Are You? : The Kid’s Guide to Gender Identity discusses gender identity and helps facilitate respectful conversations about it.
Am I a Boy or a Girl?
Here is educational material for the oldest preschool children to explore gender roles and stereotypes. The story is from Íris Arnardóttir's book, "Are the Mountains Blue?" It is accompanied by questions that can be asked to the children after reading to generate discussions
LGBT+ children and families
It is important to understand that parents, guardians, and student families may be LGBT+. A number of factors need to be considered to ensure that LGBT+ families are included and feel welcomed and expected, and also so that students do not experience exclusion or divergence for having a LGBT+ family. There is a need to consider how families are addressed, who is expected on forms, how people are invited to participate in school activities, how families are spoken about in the classroom, etc. Minority stress also needs to be considered when working with LGBT+ parents and guardians.
It is therefore important to make it clear that LGBT+ families are welcome. Just as with students, it is worth asking yourself: "How do LGBT+ parents and families know they are welcome and that a supportive environment is available here?" It's possible that school staff may have children, parents, siblings, or other family members who are LGBT+, making it crucial to ensure LGBT+ friendly discourse.
Workplaces of Reykjavík City can apply for Rainbow Certification from the Human Rights & Democracy Office.