One Elementary School Rainbow Club
Heather Eig
Childhood is a time filled with wonder and exploration, and elementary schools should provide a safe setting for growth and development. As children learn math, science, and reading, they are also navigating their social world and self-awareness each day at school. A Rainbow Club is an elementary school version of a GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance), addressing topics of family, identity, and respect in an age appropriate manner. A space for members of LGBTQ+ families, students, and allies to connect and hold space for each other, Rainbow Clubs promote a safe, healthy school climate and an anti-bullying message. Providing a supportive and nurturing space for all students to foster friendships and build self-esteem is the cornerstone of Rainbow Club’s mission.
Planning for an Elementary School Rainbow Club
Prior to the formation of an Elementary School Rainbow Club, collaboration with school-based administration and alignment with system wide policy is critical. It is not sufficient to simply gain permission to start a rainbow club, but important to cultivate an enthusiastic partnership with administrators in order to fully support children. Rainbow Clubs are best enhanced by the backing of charismatic and confident sponsors and the unwavering support of school-based leaders. Preparing for the possibility of pushback or negative attention is as important as planning for icebreakers and creating club guidelines. Unapologetically supporting LGBTQ+ families and creating a welcoming environment for all students are the primary roles of Rainbow Club sponsors and the only way for a club to thrive.
Keystone Rules of The Rainbow Club
Rainbow Clubs are student run. The delicate balance of guiding and monitoring without formally leading is one of the challenges of being an engaged sponsor who follows the students rather than directs them. It is perfectly appropriate to help students formulate club guidelines and rules governing confidentiality and other delicate matters. Letting students know that they have freedoms within the group that are limited to not infringing upon the rights of others is a good way to allow them to create their own language to convey the message that all are welcome, but that respect is non-negotiable. Kids have their own way of expressing themselves and will buy into rules that they’ve helped to formulate. Rules can be as simple as: treat others with respect, what’s said in here stays in here, and this is a safe space for all. It is also imperative for sponsors to continually keep a finger on the pulse of Rainbow Club discussions in order to help students navigate uncomfortable conversations or clarify misinformation.
Keeping Things Focused and Flexible is Key
In terms of planning and logistics, be flexible and remain nimble. What works one year may fall flat the next. The vibe of the club should be reflective of its members and not just its sponsors. The dynamics of the students, their individual and shared experiences, the school climate and current events of the community will all play a part in shaping the club’s atmosphere. Planning involves examining factors such as target population, perceived needs, meeting spaces, and timing. Is there a particular grade that has expressed interest? Are there staff members wanting to be involved? When and where might the club meet? Will you meet during school hours or after? Is parent/guardian permission required for participation in school-sponsored clubs? Logistical details are best determined by the needs of the community and desires of the school. Reflecting on experiences and tweaking the details periodically will help the Rainbow Club’s success.
Our Rainbow Club Beginnings and Success Story
Our Rainbow Club was formed in 2021. At its inception, we decided to offer the opportunity to 5th grade students. Believing that our eldest students might be the most mature and have the strongest interest, we surveyed the 5th grade teachers and enlisted their support. Our sponsors visited each 5th grade classroom to talk about forming a Rainbow Club and interest was high. Informational posters were hung in the 5th grade classrooms and hallway with a simple message: All are welcome to join our safe space. We set up an informational table during recess with several picture books featuring LGBTQ+ characters and we answered questions about tentative plans for our Rainbow Club. Many students were curious about whether it was necessary to identify as LGBTQ+ to participate (it is not). They wanted to know what an ally was (we explained). They wondered whether they could attend a few sessions without fully committing to particpation (they absolutely could). Many students shared personal stories of parents, neighbors, grandparents, and celebrities they knew who were part of the rainbow. Their connections sparked conversations and solidified our presupposition that a Rainbow Club belonged at our school. In later years, our club members took the lead in sharing information about Rainbow Club with peers and visited 4th grade classes at the end of the year in anticipation of the club continuing on the following year.
Our Rainbow Club meets every other Friday during recess in the art room. We have a rainbow light in the window of the art room door that is illuminated to remind students that we are meeting that day. Teachers remind their students about the meeting, Rainbow Club is announced on the morning announcements, and paraeducators help facilitate getting students to club meetings and activities. In our school, Rainbow Club is valued, and there is no stigma for participants. When sponsors or participants are met with the curious comment “My mom/dad/loved one told me being gay is wrong/being gay is a sin” (which happens rarely, but does happen) adults and members respond without missing a beat that there is nothing wrong with being your authentic self, and that at our school all are welcome. Rainbow Club members and sponsors often proudly wear rainbow clothing, ally t-shirts, and other LGBTQ+ embossed items on the day of our club meetings.
In our experience, providing loose structure keeps sessions lively but efficient. Meetings might start with a group read aloud of an LGBTQ+ story book from our county’s approved reading list or students might be greeted with a playlist curated by our county’s PRIDE alliance. Kids often have big ideas and elaborate plans on how to implement activities. Sponsors help streamline efforts without squashing dreams.
In terms of actual club meetings, we follow the flow of student interest. There is always a session that focuses on why we have a Rainbow Club. Depending upon the responses, future sessions may focus on elaboration of their ideas. We have had sessions focusing on education and outreach where members teamed up to create grade-level slideshows to share with K-5 students at our school. Other times, members have elected to create speeches or videos providing historical information and activism efforts. Students have made artwork and crafts like designing their own flags or making bracelets for fundraisers. Each year, our students raise funds and awareness for an established LGBTQ+ charity in the community. Our Rainbow Club has hosted a schoolwide Pride Week as a culminating activity. They hold a bake sale, make posters and decorate, and we help them organize a recess dance party for those interested in celebrating our rich and diverse community. Our Rainbow Club has been a source of inspiration and a respite for children to find support, foster friendships, and build greater self-awareness. Like the colors of the rainbow, each child brings something different and beautiful - and together we are cultivating a powerful space for students to flourish and grow.
