Why LGBTQ+ Candidates Are Joining the Fight for School Boards
On a chilly Tuesday evening in suburban Kansas, Sarah Thompson, a 42-year-old high school teacher and lesbian mother of two, stood before a packed school board meeting. Her voice trembled slightly as she addressed the board: “When you vote to ban books that reflect my family’s existence, you’re telling my kids they don’t belong here.” A year later, Sarah is no longer just a concerned parent—she’s running for a seat on that very board. Her story isn’t unique. Across the U.S., LGBTQ+ individuals are stepping into local politics, particularly school board races, as education becomes a battleground for cultural values.
The School Board: A New Frontline
School boards have long been overlooked as sleepy administrative bodies. But in recent years, they’ve transformed into ideological war zones. Debates over curriculum content, library books, transgender student rights, and anti-bullying policies have thrust these positions into the national spotlight. For LGBTQ+ communities, these decisions aren’t abstract—they directly impact safety, representation, and belonging.
Candidates like Sarah are entering races not just to advocate for inclusive policies but to push back against organized efforts to erase LGBTQ+ voices from schools. Groups advocating for book bans, restrictions on gender-affirming care, and “parental rights” policies have gained traction in conservative-leaning districts. In response, LGBTQ+ leaders and allies are building grassroots campaigns to counter what they see as existential threats to student well-being.
Who’s Running—and Why?
LGBTQ+ school board candidates span a wide spectrum: educators, parents, healthcare workers, and even teenagers who’ve recently graduated. Many share a common thread—they’ve personally witnessed exclusionary policies harm students. Take Javier Ruiz, a gay former principal in Florida, who decided to run after his district banned classroom discussions about sexual orientation. “I saw kids retreat into silence,” he says. “They stopped trusting teachers to protect them.”
Others are motivated by recent legislative attacks. Over 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in state legislatures in 2023 alone, many targeting schools. For transgender candidates like Mara Kim, a 28-year-old running in Ohio, these policies hit close to home. “When lawmakers debate whether I should be allowed to use the restroom,” she explains, “it sends a message to trans youth that they’re less than human. I’m running to change that narrative.”
Strategies for Success in Polarized Times
Winning a school board seat requires more than passion—it demands shrewd strategy. LGBTQ+ candidates often face unique hurdles, from fundraising challenges to smear campaigns. Here’s how many are adapting:
1. Centering Student Stories
Successful campaigns focus on tangible student needs rather than abstract ideology. In Virginia, candidate Raj Patel, a bisexual father, highlights his work providing free tutoring for low-income kids. “When I talk about equity, I tie it to test scores and college readiness,” he says. “It’s harder for opponents to demonize that.”
2. Building Unlikely Alliances
Many candidates intentionally reach across ideological lines. In Texas, lesbian candidate Angela Morales partnered with conservative farmers to address school bus safety—a shared concern that built trust. “We disagree on plenty,” she admits, “but we proved we could work together for kids.”
3. Preparing for Attacks
Hateful mail, social media trolling, and false accusations of “grooming” have become common. Organizations like the Victory Institute now offer campaign training specifically for LGBTQ+ candidates, teaching everything from security protocols to messaging. “We role-play hostile town halls,” says trainer Emily Zhou. “They need to stay focused on their mission.”
The Impact of Representation
When LGBTQ+ candidates win, the effects ripple beyond policy changes. Studies show that inclusive curriculum reduces bullying and improves mental health for queer youth. In California’s Palm Springs Unified School District, newly elected board member Diego Torres, a gay Latino man, pushed for gender-neutral bathrooms and teacher training on pronoun usage. “Enrollment of LGBTQ+ students increased the next year,” he notes. “Families felt safer sending their kids here.”
But representation also reshapes community dynamics. In a rural Tennessee district, the election of nonbinary educator Alex Carter prompted local churches to host dialogues about faith and inclusion. “It didn’t change everyone’s mind,” Alex says, “but we’re now having conversations that were impossible three years ago.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite growing momentum, obstacles remain. LGBTQ+ candidates often lack institutional party support, relying on small-dollar donations and volunteer networks. Gerrymandered districts and voter suppression laws further complicate races. And the emotional toll is real—many describe feeling isolated or burned out.
Yet, their efforts are shifting the political landscape. Organizations tracking school board races report a 60% increase in openly LGBTQ+ candidates since 2020. Even in losses, these campaigns plant seeds for change. After losing by just 200 votes in Missouri, drag performer and educator Luna DeLuna started a mentorship program for queer teens. “The campaign wasn’t the end,” they say. “It was the beginning.”
A Movement Rooted in Community
What’s often missed in national debates is how deeply personal these races are. For many candidates, school boards aren’t stepping stones to higher office—they’re ways to protect their neighbors’ kids. In Sarah Thompson’s Kansas district, her campaign has become a community project. Straight parents host bake sales to fundraise; students design campaign art. “This isn’t about me,” Sarah insists. “It’s about making sure every child sees themselves in their education.”
As America’s culture wars rage on, LGBTQ+ school board candidates are redefining what it means to lead locally. Their message is simple: Schools should be places where curiosity is nurtured, differences are respected, and every student—no matter their identity—can thrive. And sometimes, changing the world starts with a seat at the table where homework policies get debated.
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