In a groundbreaking move, Delaware has become the first state to implement a statewide LGBTQ+ inclusive history curriculum in public schools. The initiative, which officially launched in January 2025, is a monumental step toward fostering understanding, inclusion, and representation in education. Spearheaded by Equality Delaware and supported by educators and advocates statewide, this curriculum aims to shine a light on the often-overlooked contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history.
The LGBTQ+ history curriculum is designed to be seamlessly integrated into existing history and social studies classes from elementary through high school. Students will learn about key historical figures, events, and movements that have shaped LGBTQ+ rights, including:
By highlighting these narratives, Delaware’s curriculum aims to provide students with a fuller, more inclusive understanding of history, while also normalizing LGBTQ+ identities and experiences.
For decades, LGBTQ+ stories and contributions have been excluded or erased from mainstream history education. This lack of representation has perpetuated stigma, misunderstanding, and invisibility for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly for students who identify as part of the community.
Research has consistently shown the positive impact of inclusive curricula on student well-being. According to a study by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), LGBTQ+ students in schools with inclusive curricula are less likely to feel unsafe or experience bullying. They also report higher levels of self-esteem and a greater sense of belonging in their school communities.
Equality Delaware President Lisa Goodman emphasized this point in a recent statement: “Representation matters. By including LGBTQ+ history in our classrooms, we’re sending a clear message to all students that their identities are valid, their stories are important, and they are a vital part of our collective history.”
The rollout of the LGBTQ+ history curriculum was a collaborative effort involving educators, historians, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. To ensure a smooth implementation, the Delaware Department of Education has provided comprehensive training for teachers, as well as resources to help them confidently teach these topics.
Materials include lesson plans, multimedia resources, and guidance on how to facilitate discussions about sensitive or complex topics. The curriculum is also designed to be adaptable, allowing teachers to tailor lessons to the developmental levels and cultural contexts of their students.
In addition to its educational benefits, the curriculum is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the state’s LGBTQ+ youth. By seeing themselves reflected in their education, students are more likely to feel empowered, supported, and inspired to contribute to their communities.
As with any progressive initiative, the LGBTQ+ history curriculum has faced pushback from some groups who argue that it introduces controversial topics into the classroom. However, supporters counter that teaching history is not about promoting an agenda but about presenting an accurate and inclusive account of the past.
Governor John Carney, a strong advocate of the curriculum, addressed these concerns by stating, “Our goal is to prepare students for a diverse and interconnected world. Excluding the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals does a disservice to our students and to history itself.”
Delaware’s decision to prioritize LGBTQ+ history sets a powerful example for other states. By embracing inclusivity, the state is not only fostering a more accepting environment for its students but also challenging the status quo in education across the country.
As the curriculum gains traction, advocacy groups hope to see similar initiatives adopted nationwide. The success of Delaware’s program could pave the way for a new era in education—one that values diversity and ensures every student has the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the stories they learn.
The introduction of Delaware’s LGBTQ+ history curriculum is a victory for representation and inclusion, but it is just the beginning. Ongoing efforts to support teachers, engage communities, and evaluate the program’s impact will be crucial to its success.
In the words of Equality Delaware Executive Director Mark Purpura, “This curriculum isn’t just about teaching history—it’s about creating a better future. It’s about ensuring that every student knows they belong, that they matter, and that they are part of a rich and diverse tapestry of human experience.”
With this initiative, Delaware is leading the charge toward a more inclusive and equitable education system—one where every student’s story is valued and celebrated.
What the Curriculum Includes
The LGBTQ+ history curriculum is designed to be seamlessly integrated into existing history and social studies classes from elementary through high school. Students will learn about key historical figures, events, and movements that have shaped LGBTQ+ rights, including:
- The pivotal role of figures like Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, and Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender activist who was instrumental in the Stonewall Uprising.
- The contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in fields such as science, literature, and the arts, including renowned poet Audre Lorde and astronaut Sally Ride.
- The history of landmark legal victories, such as the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
By highlighting these narratives, Delaware’s curriculum aims to provide students with a fuller, more inclusive understanding of history, while also normalizing LGBTQ+ identities and experiences.
Why It Matters
For decades, LGBTQ+ stories and contributions have been excluded or erased from mainstream history education. This lack of representation has perpetuated stigma, misunderstanding, and invisibility for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly for students who identify as part of the community.
Research has consistently shown the positive impact of inclusive curricula on student well-being. According to a study by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), LGBTQ+ students in schools with inclusive curricula are less likely to feel unsafe or experience bullying. They also report higher levels of self-esteem and a greater sense of belonging in their school communities.
Equality Delaware President Lisa Goodman emphasized this point in a recent statement: “Representation matters. By including LGBTQ+ history in our classrooms, we’re sending a clear message to all students that their identities are valid, their stories are important, and they are a vital part of our collective history.”
Implementation and Support
The rollout of the LGBTQ+ history curriculum was a collaborative effort involving educators, historians, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. To ensure a smooth implementation, the Delaware Department of Education has provided comprehensive training for teachers, as well as resources to help them confidently teach these topics.
Materials include lesson plans, multimedia resources, and guidance on how to facilitate discussions about sensitive or complex topics. The curriculum is also designed to be adaptable, allowing teachers to tailor lessons to the developmental levels and cultural contexts of their students.
In addition to its educational benefits, the curriculum is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the state’s LGBTQ+ youth. By seeing themselves reflected in their education, students are more likely to feel empowered, supported, and inspired to contribute to their communities.
Addressing Criticism
As with any progressive initiative, the LGBTQ+ history curriculum has faced pushback from some groups who argue that it introduces controversial topics into the classroom. However, supporters counter that teaching history is not about promoting an agenda but about presenting an accurate and inclusive account of the past.
Governor John Carney, a strong advocate of the curriculum, addressed these concerns by stating, “Our goal is to prepare students for a diverse and interconnected world. Excluding the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals does a disservice to our students and to history itself.”
A Model for the Nation
Delaware’s decision to prioritize LGBTQ+ history sets a powerful example for other states. By embracing inclusivity, the state is not only fostering a more accepting environment for its students but also challenging the status quo in education across the country.
As the curriculum gains traction, advocacy groups hope to see similar initiatives adopted nationwide. The success of Delaware’s program could pave the way for a new era in education—one that values diversity and ensures every student has the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the stories they learn.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of Delaware’s LGBTQ+ history curriculum is a victory for representation and inclusion, but it is just the beginning. Ongoing efforts to support teachers, engage communities, and evaluate the program’s impact will be crucial to its success.
In the words of Equality Delaware Executive Director Mark Purpura, “This curriculum isn’t just about teaching history—it’s about creating a better future. It’s about ensuring that every student knows they belong, that they matter, and that they are part of a rich and diverse tapestry of human experience.”
With this initiative, Delaware is leading the charge toward a more inclusive and equitable education system—one where every student’s story is valued and celebrated.