Book
Creating Brave Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Students
Five Keys to Schoolwide Belonging and Safety
A leadership resource for educators committed to creating schools where every student is safe, seen, and supported — and where belonging is not a hope but a practice.
Why This Book Matters
The Leadership Responsibility for Student Safety and Belonging
LGBTQIA+ students deserve schools where they are safe, respected, and fully part of the community. That does not happen by accident — it happens because leaders make deliberate choices, build intentional practices, and create the conditions for genuine belonging.
This book is for school leaders who are ready to move beyond good intentions and into the practical, schoolwide work of creating brave spaces where every student can thrive.
Reflection Tool
Start With the Brave Spaces Readiness Check
The Brave Spaces Readiness Check is a brief, role-based reflection that helps educators and leaders examine where their current practice stands across the five BRAVE areas and identify practical next steps.
The Distinction That Matters
Safety Is Essential. Brave Spaces Go Further.
Safe spaces protect students from harm. Brave spaces also create the conditions for voice, identity, connection, advocacy, and meaningful participation. Schools need both.
Safe protects. B.R.A.V.E. frees.
Framework
The Braving Forward Matrix
The five areas of the Braving Forward Matrix provide a practical framework for examining and strengthening schoolwide belonging and safety for LGBTQIA+ students.
Advocacy
Understanding the leadership responsibility to advocate for LGBTQIA+ students — and what that looks like in practice.
1Visibility
Creating the conditions where LGBTQIA+ students see themselves reflected in the curriculum, the community, and the culture of the school.
2Respect
Building the adult practices, policies, and norms that communicate genuine respect for every student's identity and humanity.
3Safety
Addressing the specific safety needs of LGBTQIA+ students — and the leadership moves that create physically and emotionally safe schools.
4Belonging
Moving beyond tolerance and inclusion toward genuine belonging — where every student is not just present but fully part of the community.
5Bring This Work to Your School or Organization
Speaking & Training
Craig presents on LGBTQIA+ student safety and belonging for conferences, districts, and professional learning events.
Invite Craig to SpeakSchoolwide Professional Learning
Multi-session professional learning experiences for school and district teams working to strengthen belonging and safety.
Explore Professional LearningBulk Book Orders
Interested in ordering copies for your team, district, or conference? Contact CCM Education Group.
Ask About Bulk OrdersBuild the Adult Practice Behind Schoolwide Belonging
Creating brave spaces requires more than individual goodwill. It requires leadership clarity, adult practice, schoolwide responsibility, and the courage to move from intention into action.