LGBTQIA+ Community

Affinity Groups for LGBTQIA+ Students 

GSA’s (Gender and Sexuality Alliances) are regularly offered and available at most high schools and middle schools. Check with your school counselor for more information about when and where the group meets.

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is free from discrimination, fosters equitable opportunities, and values diversity and commonality. HCPSS has supports in place across all of our schools. To learn more, please access the following links.

  • LGBTQIA+ Youth
    • General supports for LGBTQIA+ youth in HCPSS and beyond such as our Gender Inclusive Guidelines, Name and Gender Masking, information on how to report bullying and/or harassment, and policy connections.
  • Rainbow Representatives
    • Current and up to date list of Rainbow Representatives as well as their school/location in HCPSS.
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
    • Learn more about our DEI efforts including; professional learning, equitable and restorative practices, community collaboration, and supports.

Pronoun Options in Canvas 

All Canvas users, including students, staff, and parents/families, can identify their pronouns in Canvas. As a default, the pronoun field is left blank. Users who do not wish for a pronoun do not need to take any action. Want to identify your pronouns? See the HCPSS News article, Optional Pronoun Settings in Canvas.