Joy Diaz-Noriega

Our Youngest Scholars, Our Boldest Futures: Rainbow Gems at AERA My name is Mx. Joy (they/them), and I am a queer-identified educator and proud alum of WCCUSD—the same schools my students attend today. As the teacher lead of Rainbow Gems, a group of 4th-7th graders at Downer Elementary, I have the privilege of learning from some of the bravest and most insightful young people in our district. Now in its third year, Rainbow Gems is one of the very first LGBTQIA2S+ K-6th identity groups in our district. Students are trailblazers, exploring topics like gender, identity, sexuality, abolition, and humanizing pedagogy. Their research focuses on how these topics impact their mental health and how they can transform their schools now and in the future. My journey as an educator was shaped by a powerful experience during my first year as a student teacher, when I met a 5th grader who courageously shared their queer identity and challenged the assumptions of adults around them. This student affirmed what I already knew and believed, that even our youngest learners know who they are and deserve spaces where their voices are heard and respected. Inspired by moments like these, Rainbow Gems was co-created by LGBTQIA2S+ identified students, allies in 4th-7th grade, and myself to create a safe & affirming space for students to learn, grow, and lead. As of 2026, we currently have 29 active members in 4th-7th grade attending program twice a week. Rainbow Gems members self identify as Black, Brown, Afro-Latinx, Queer, Lesbian, Questioning, Bisexual, Ally, and Non-binary, and continue to learn more about themselves and each other. This year, the Rainbow Gems have been invited to present their research at the prestigious American Educational Research Association (AERA) conference in Los Angeles. This is a rare opportunity for our students to share their wisdom, connect with other educators and youth, and represent our district on a national stage. To make this trip possible, we need your support to raise funds for conference dates: Wednesday, April 8, to Sunday, April 12, 2026. Funds raised will cover: lodging food, snacks travel bags for students gas, tickets to museums and events in L.A, van rental, and supplies for the week. Every donation, no matter the size, helps these young leaders take their work beyond the classroom and into the world. Please consider supporting and sharing our campaign to help make this transformative experience possible for Rainbow Gems of the past, present and future. Our students are not the subject—they are the scholars In solidarity, Mx. Joy 4th Grade DLI Educator