How to Create Inclusive School Clubs
School clubs can be a powerful space for students to build community, share interests, and feel accepted. But for LGBTQ+ youth, many clubs still feel exclusive or unwelcoming—sometimes without meaning to be. Creating truly inclusive school clubs isn’t just the right thing to do—it can change lives.
Start with Intentional Inclusivity
Inclusivity doesn’t happen by accident. It begins with intention. That means:
- Choosing club names that don’t assume gender roles (e.g., avoid “girls only” unless it's about empowerment)
- Using inclusive language in all materials (say "everyone" or "all students" instead of "boys and girls")
- Setting a club mission that explicitly values diversity and inclusion
It also means showing up in your values—put a rainbow flag in your meeting space, honour different identity days like Trans Day of Visibility, and be mindful of your language choices every time.
Representation Matters
Ensure your leadership reflects your diversity goals. Encourage LGBTQ+ students—and allies—from all backgrounds to run for officer roles. If you're straight or cisgender, be an ally by listening, learning, and amplifying others.
Use posters, books, and guest speakers that represent a wide range of identities. Even small things—like rainbow stickers or pronoun name tags—signal safety. Visual cues matter and can make or break a student’s sense of belonging.
Educate as You Go
Every inclusive club becomes more inclusive when members understand why it matters. Plan mini-lessons, game nights, or discussion circles around topics like:
- What LGBTQ+ really means
- How to be a better ally
- Why chosen names and pronouns matter
- Breaking down stereotypes about gender and orientation
You don’t need to be an expert. Share articles, host a speaker, or invite a student to share their story. Keep it human. And remember—it's okay to not know everything as long as you're open to learning.
Establish Safe, Clear Guidelines
Make sure your club has clear rules that protect all members. Include a code of conduct that bans discrimination, bullying, or hate speech. Have a trusted adult present who respects all identities and can help mediate conflict fairly.
Students need to know this isn’t just a club—it’s a safe space. Make that known from day one and revisit it often. Regularly reaffirm that everyone is respected, valued, and heard.
Mix Fun with Meaning
Inclusive clubs don’t have to be serious all the time. Host movie nights with LGBTQ+ themes, create inclusive art, or run team-building games. Organise Pride-themed bake-offs, scavenger hunts, or cosplay days that welcome all genders and identities.
The goal is belonging—not perfection. Connection is more important than getting everything right the first time.
Real Example: The Unity Club
At a high school in Michigan, a student-led group called "The Unity Club" began as a book club but evolved into a safe space for all marginalized identities. By choosing inclusive topics, rotating leadership, and hosting open mic nights, they built a thriving hub of student support and creativity.
They collaborated with the art department for a “Visibility Wall” that featured anonymous stories from LGBTQ+ students—turning a hallway into a daily celebration of difference. The school even expanded training for staff in response to the club’s impact.
Promote Broadly and Boldly
Don’t rely on word of mouth alone. Post flyers in common areas. Ask teachers to make announcements. Share stories on social media or school newsletters. Make it clear: all students are welcome, including LGBTQ+, BIPOC, neurodiverse, and disabled peers.
When promotion is inclusive, participation becomes inclusive too. Host interest surveys, get student feedback, and invite voices not already in the room. Inclusion starts with the invite.
Connect with Outside Resources
Bring in speakers from LGBTQ+ organisations, collaborate with local youth centres, or attend regional student leadership conferences. These experiences can elevate your club and connect students with broader communities.
Some helpful US-based orgs: The Trevor Project, GLSEN, GLAAD, and local PFLAG chapters. Many offer free toolkits, support, and event ideas.
Listen, Adapt, Repeat
The best inclusive spaces are constantly evolving. Ask members for anonymous feedback. Hold open forums once per semester. Try new meeting formats. Celebrate what’s working and fix what’s not.
Keep asking: Who’s missing from this space? Why? What would make them feel welcome?
Conclusion: Small Steps Make Safe Spaces
Creating an inclusive school club doesn’t require big budgets or perfect knowledge. It starts with small, consistent actions that say: “You belong here.”
With empathy, openness, and student leadership, any club can become a brave space where every voice matters. Start small, start now—and let your school be a model for belonging.