At One Institute, we know that the history of LGBTQ+ political progress is marked by the extraordinary courage of our communities. From fed up patrons at Stonewall, to enraged agitators in ACT UP, from the determined activists behind marriage equality, to the liberationists of the trans rights movement, the individuals behind these flashpoints in queer history embodied profound courage in the face of danger, ignorance, and bigotry.

This bravery is needed now more than ever. In California and across the country, school boards and legislatures are restricting the rights of LGBTQ+ students and educators to be themselves and teach about queer history. Right wing extremists and politicians are using decades-old playbooks of fear and lies to bully and erase queer and trans lives. The result: heartbreaking tragedies such as the recent killing of Choctaw Two-Spirit, non-binary, and transgender high school student Nex Benedict.

LGBTQ+ students and K-12 educators need our support as they lead the front lines of the culture wars, demanding to be seen, and insisting that the historic contributions of LGBTQ+ people be taught in their schools.

One Institute plays a critical role in empowering students and teachers to stand up against these cruel, institutionalized attacks.

As a leading producer of resources for teaching LGBTQ+ history in California's K-12 public schools, One Institute offers youth mentorship, educator professional training, and curriculum development resources that support these unshakeable communities.

We forcefully counter attacks on queer and trans youth by offering essential tools and resources to California educators and students. With your support, our programs have made possible:

Youth Ambassadors for Queer History: Mentorship for queer and trans student leaders that fuels their passion for researching LGBTQ+ history and helps them discover career paths in LGBTQ+ humanities and advocacy;
Youspeak Radio: Intergenerational conversations between LGBTQ+ youth and adult trailblazers, who pass on their knowledge and inspire students to create change in their communities;
LGBTQ+ History Curriculum Development aligned to California state standards and created at One's summer Teachers Symposium
History Panels that educate the public on a breadth of LGBTQ+ people, movements, and stories;
Strong partnerships with Los Angeles Unified School District, the LA County Office of Education, the California Department of Education, UCLA History-Geography Project, OUT for Safe Schools at the LA LGBT Center, The OUTWORDS Archive, ONE Archives at the USC Libraries, and more.

One Institute is one of the few nonprofit organizations in California doing this essential work on behalf of students and teachers. But we could not do this without you. Help us raise $75,000 for One's educational initiatives by April 21, 2024.

Individual donors like yourself are our most important source of funding. Please make your tax-deductible gift today. Help us support the courageous youth and educators creating safer and more equitable futures for LGBTQ+ students.

As One,

Tony Valenzuela, Executive Director
Trevor Ladner, Education Programs Manager

Communities of Courage

Your contribution helps empower the next generation of teachers and students bringing LGBTQ+ history to their classrooms & communities.

Team Members