Evidence-based curriculum and professional development for enhanced inclusive education
Transform your learning environment into a space where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive. Make use of our finding to ensure that you create the place where each and everybody feels welcome to learn.
TMC connects you with research-backed methodologies and partner-developed materials, integrating LGBTQ+ themes through musical theatre pedagogy.
Access to the **Genderbread Person methodology** and a structured framework for teaching the spectrum of gender identity, expression, sex, and attraction in the classroom.
Through cooperation with the **Musical Theater Educator Alliance**, we provide access to scripts, songs, and performance guides for exploring identity and building empathy.
We provide assessment instruments designed to measure learning related to the methodologies, ensuring safe and anonymous evaluation without singling out LGBTQ+ students.
Interactive exercises that build empathy, challenge stereotypes, and create classroom community, derived from our core research and partner materials.
60 minutes
16-20 years (VET)
Interactive discussion + activity
Students explore the difference between sex, gender identity, gender expression, and attraction through the "Genderbread Person" model. This visual, interactive tool helps students understand gender as a spectrum rather than a binary.
The Genderbread Person breaks down gender into four interconnected continuums, helping students understand that gender is complex, diverse, and fluid:
Internal sense of self (man, woman, non-binary, etc.)
External presentation (masculine, feminine, androgynous)
Physical characteristics (not strictly binary)
Who you're drawn to (sexual & romantic orientation)
Lesson flow:
Teacher Tip: The Genderbread Person gives students a concrete, visual framework for understanding abstract concepts. Use it as a reference throughout the project—students will internalize the language and concepts naturally.
Why this works: By starting with the genderbread person framework and then moving into embodied performance, students gain both cognitive understanding (theory) and emotional empathy (experience). Research shows this dual approach is significantly more effective than lecture alone.
You don't have to do this alone. Connect with our partner network for training, mentorship, and ongoing support.
Our partners can deliver in-person or virtual training sessions at your institution. Topics include LGBTQ+ terminology, creating inclusive classrooms, handling sensitive discussions, and using musical theater pedagogy.
Available formats: Half-day workshops, full-day intensives, multi-week series
Join our international network of educators implementing The Musical Connection. Share experiences, troubleshoot challenges, access recorded webinars, and participate in peer learning circles.
Includes: Monthly virtual meetups, resource library, discussion forums, Q&A with experts
Step-by-step guides for integrating the curriculum into your existing courses. Covers scheduling, pacing, adapting materials to local context, and measuring student outcomes.
Topics covered: Year planning, module sequencing, cross-curricular connections, evaluation methods
Get paired with an experienced educator from one of our partner schools who has successfully implemented the curriculum. Monthly check-ins, lesson observation feedback, and personalized support.
Duration: 3-6 month mentorship programs, virtual or in-person options
Before teaching LGBTQ+ content, reflect on your own biases and knowledge gaps. Our self-assessment tool helps you identify areas for growth. Remember: you don't need to be an expert, but you do need to be open and willing to learn.
Establish classroom norms on day one: respect for all identities, confidentiality, right to pass on personal questions, and "ouch/oops" protocol for mistakes. Make it safe to ask questions and make mistakes while learning together.
Never ask LGBTQ+ students to speak for their entire community or share personal experiences unless they volunteer. Use "someone might..." or "a person could..." language instead of "you probably..." when discussing LGBTQ+ experiences.
LGBTQ+ content works best when woven throughout your curriculum rather than confined to a single "diversity day." Use inclusive language, diverse examples, and LGBTQ+ perspectives across all your teaching, not just during designated lessons.
Expect some resistance—from students, parents, or colleagues. Have responses ready: "This is about creating safe learning environments for all students," "Our school policy supports inclusion," "Research shows inclusive education benefits everyone." See Section 5 for detailed strategies.
Musical theater creates emotional distance that makes difficult topics safer to explore. Students can explore identities through characters, express themselves through performance, and build empathy through storytelling. Use it as a bridge, not a replacement for direct discussion.
Teaching LGBTQ+ content can be challenging. Here's how to navigate common obstacles with confidence.
Common complaint: "You're teaching my child to be gay" or "This is inappropriate for teenagers."
How to respond:
Common behavior: Giggling during discussions, using slurs, or refusing to participate.
How to respond:
Common scenario: School leaders are hesitant to back the curriculum due to fear of controversy.
How to respond:
Common concern: "This conflicts with my religious/cultural beliefs."
How to respond:
Our partner organizations have decades of experience navigating these challenges. Contact us to connect with an expert who can provide personalized guidance for your specific situation.
Request support consultationDrama teacher
"I was nervous at first, I'd never taught LGBTQ+ content before. But the curriculum made it so accessible. The musical theater approach gave students a safe way to explore identity without feeling like they were being lectured. One of my straight male students said it was the first time he'd really understood what his gay cousin might be going through."
Social studies teacher
"What I love most is that this isn't just theory, it's practical, classroom-tested materials. The lesson plans include timing, discussion prompts, even suggestions for handling difficult moments. I could implement immediately without spending weeks planning. And the professional development network has been invaluable for troubleshooting."
Music teacher
"The impact goes beyond LGBTQ+ students. The whole class became more empathetic, more willing to listen to perspectives different from their own. We saw less bullying overall, not just anti-LGBTQ+ bullying, but all kinds. The musical theater format turned potentially divisive topics into shared creative experiences."
Theater arts teacher
"I wish I'd had this curriculum 10 years ago. It would have saved me so much trial and error. The assessment tools are particularly brilliant, they let me measure student learning without putting LGBTQ+ students in uncomfortable positions. . And the parent communication templates helped me get ahead of potential complaints before they happened."
Request full access to The Musical Connection's methodology and partner resources, including instructional guides, musical theater materials, and professional development opportunities.