As of April 24, 2026

Schools have a responsibility to create learning environments where all students can thrive. That includes LGBTQ+ students, who deserve to be safe, supported, and treated with respect. Learn more about your rights in public school: 

What are my rights as an LGBTQ+ student?  

All New Hampshire public school students have the right: 

  • To be safe in school without being bullied  
  • To be called by the name and pronouns consistent with your gender identity. However, if your parent asks your school what name or pronouns you use at school, the school must inform the parent within 10 days. The student and the school can use those 10 days to make a plan for how best to talk to a parent. 
  • To dress and present yourself in a manner consistent with your gender identity  
  • To play school sports and use the restroom consistent with your gender identity 
  • To take a date of any gender to prom 
  • To access information about LGBTQ topics at school 
  • To free speech and expression. Generally, this means you have the right to express ideas and disagree with other people, as long as you express them in a respectful way.  

LGBTQ+ students are also protected under Title IX, a federal law that bans discrimination based on sex, which includes sexual orientation and gender identity. Learn more about Title IX and how it impacts you.

Does New Hampshire have any laws protecting transgender students?  

Yes. State law protects transgender students. 

Schools must treat all students fairly, including transgender students. This means schools should create a safe and inclusive learning environment and respect a student’s gender identity. 

Bathrooms and Locker Rooms 

You have the right to use restrooms and locker rooms that match your gender identity. 

School Sports  

You have the right to take part in school activities, including sports, in ways that match your gender identity.

Pronouns 

Your school is required to respect your name and pronouns. 

In New Hampshire, if a parent asks a school what name or pronouns the student uses at school, the school must inform the parent within 10 days. The student and the school can use those 10 days to make a plan for how best to talk to the parent, if that is a concern.

What can I do if I’m being discriminated against at school?

You can start by asking for support from someone you trust, like a friend, teacher, or school counselor. If it feels safe, you may choose to talk directly with the person or people involved. 

You can also review your school’s policies and report what is happening to the staff member listed in the policies. This is often a principal, vice principal, or Title IX coordinator. 

It can help to write down what happened, including dates, what occurred, and who was involved. If you meet with school staff, keep notes about who you spoke with, when you met, and what they said they would do. Schools should respond and take steps to stop the discrimination or bullying. Learn more about advocacy tips here. 

If the school does not help or follow through, you can contact your state department of education to report the situation or ask for help. 

In New Hampshire, you can file a complaint with the state Human Rights Commission. 

If these steps do not stop the discrimination, you may want to consider legal options. You can contact GLAD Law Answers for free, confidential information and referrals. 

You can also file a complaint with your school’s Title IX coordinator or with the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Find out how to file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights. 

If you have been discriminated against because of your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, please let us know.  

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Because every situation is different, the information here cannot replace personalized advice from a qualified lawyer. Laws change frequently, and GLAD Law does not guarantee that the information on this page is current or complete. For legal advice or referrals, please contact GLAD Law Answers.