*STUDENTS OUTSIDE THE SUGGESTED AGE RANGE WELCOME*
This course will be taught through a combination of recorded lectures and discussion boards each week along with small writing assignments and reflection activities. 
Each week on Mondays there will be a video lecture discussing the assigned media of the week by the instructor posted to the classroom. Learners will need to watch the assigned media either prior to or after watching the lecture (but I recommend before so learners can mesh what they've experienced and learned with the background I am providing). The discussion board will be open at this time as well so learners can reflect on the media, ask questions, and discuss with the class. 
On Wednesdays, the writing/reflection assignment will be posted in the classroom. Learners will be encouraged to put their best effort into reflecting on an aspect of the themes we have discussed in class and emphasis will be put on formulating thoughts and opinions that are personal and enthusiastic, no matter what they are, and will not be graded for being "right" or "wrong." The instructor will provide encouraging feedback. These assignments are meant to get learners thinking and encourage writing about potentially challenging topics. As well, these assignments will be sent in the conversations tab directly to the instructor so learners do not have to share their work with the class if they do not wish to.
This class is designed to be a safe place, so learners will be welcome to share their views, ideas, and experiences as they see fit and will be met with respect. Grown-ups of learners- please be aware of what your learners are watching and feel free to watch things with your learners. I am always available to answer questions on this site. 
The themes for the weeks will be:
Week 1: Overview to LGBT+ History
*Instructor will provide the information for this week. No additional media needed. 
Week 2: Grief, Struggle, and Overcoming Adversity (Content warning: We will be discussing the HIV/AIDS epidemic as well as the Matthew Shepard case, so please familiarize yourself with these concepts, grown-ups, if you would like.)
Please watch: Todrick Hall "Over the Rainbow" and "Disclosure: Trailer"
 (Content warning- some profanity is in the trailer for Disclosure and violence against trans individuals is discussed. Note that we will be watching the trailer and not the whole documentary unless the learner would like to.)
Week 3: LGBT+ Joy, Victories, and The World that Lies Ahead
*The instructor will be putting videos in the classroom prior to class depending on discussion from previous weeks.
Week 4: Wrapping Up: What Have We Learned
Learners will be encouraged to link an example of something in the media that fits with themes and concepts discussed in class along with the instructor's videos of positive, optimistic concepts that show that the world is moving and changing in a direction that is effective for change.