5 back-to-school gifts for LGBTQ+ students

As back-to-school season rolls around, LGBTQ+ students are buying their classroom wares and getting ready to start their academic years. The proper tools are important right now, particularly as conservative legislators pass laws that try to dim LGBTQ+ students’ ability to express themselves.Ahead, The Advocate compiled a checklist of items to help queer and trans students feel affirmed and joyful throughout their school years — from cute locker decor, to bag charms, to helpful planners that remind them, you’ve got this! Transgender FidgetsFidgets can be an important concentration tool for any student. This pack of fidgets from Dans Fidget Foundry come in pink, blue, and white — the colors of the transgender Pride flag — and in a variety of fun shapes and textures. From a heart-shaped toy, to a row of clickable buttons, to a ridged spikey silicone roller, these fidgets can help students focus throughout the day while expressing their Pride. ($6) dansfidgetfoundry.comEnamel Progressive Pride PinPins and students go hand in hand, especially because you can use them to customize your backpack, jacket, lanyard, and more. Weer, formerly known as Gay Pride Apparel, makes durable, heart-shaped enamel pins with the colors of the Progress Pride flag, which will add a pop of color and personality to any ensemble. ($10) gayprideapparel.com“You Are Safe With Me” LanyardWith the amount of keys and student ID cards young queer scholars have to carry around this fall, lanyards are a staple in most schools. Why not make them personal? Weer offers several lanyards that are functional, cute, and promote LGBTQ+ positivity, such as the “You Are Safe With Me” lanyard, the “Be Kind” lanyard, and the “Choose Love” lanyard, all with Progress Pride hearts printed on them. ($9) gayprideapparel.comPapier “New Beginnings” PlannerPlanners can be a vital time management tool for anyone in school. For students who want to show their Pride, but also want something sub