Who We Are & What We Do

Since our inception, FCPS Pride has advocated within Fairfax County Public Schools for policies and practices striving to create a positive and respectful school climate for all employees and students, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity.

FCPS Pride Mission

FCPS Pride seeks to build a community and work to create institutional change by advocating for inclusive school policies and practices in order to establish a safe and affirming educational environment where LGBTQIA+ employees, students, and allies feel safe and accepted; work with the school district and policy makers to reduce instances of bullying, harassment, and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity; and promote a positive and respectful school climate for all employees and students, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity.

FCPS Pride Vision

At FCPS Pride, we envision an educational community where every individual—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression—feels empowered, valued, and celebrated. Our commitment is to cultivate an inclusive environment that champions diversity, fosters authentic connections, and dismantles barriers. Together, we strive to create a safe space where all voices are heard and respected, paving the way for academic excellence, personal growth, and a future where every member of our community thrives in their true selves.

Meet the Team

FCPS Pride Officers and Board Members

Our current Board and Officers include amazing FCPS staff, parents, and community advocates.

All can be reached at fcpspride@gmail.com.

Board Members:

Chris

Dani

Emily

Heather

Robert

Vanessa

Willow

Pictured (left to right): Chris, Robert, and Vanessa

at the US Supreme Court rally for United States v. Skrmetti

Our Story

FCPS Pride was formed in July 2015 by Robert Rigyb, Jr. as an employee's group for Fairfax County Public Schools. We found quickly that there was an advocacy partnership need for families and allies of LGBTQ+ students, which are now a great asset in our work.

Since then, FCPS Pride has been involved in various advocacy effort including organizing rallies and celebrations such as LGBTQIA+ History Month, Pride Month, and Transgender Day of Visibility.

Our board members and officer regularly meet with FCPS leadership to discuss ongoing concerns, successes, and offer support in creating policies to create a safe and inclusive educational environment for our students, staff, and faculty.

FCPS Pride is grateful for our working partnership with FCPS leadership and other local organizations.

Policy Changes:

We have played a significant role in the adoption of policies that support transgender and nonbinary students, including the 2021 policy that allows students to use names, pronouns, and facilities that align with their gender identity (R2603.2). Part of this policy involves staff training modules which were developed in partnership with FCPS Pride. We also advocated to reject the Governor's model policies in 2023 which would have rolled back these protections.
Promoting LGBTQIA+ History and Culture:

FCPS Pride actively works with the FCPS curriculum team to incorporate LGBTQIA+ history and culture, and recognizes LGBTQIA+ History Month in FCPS.
Building Community:

Organizing social events such as monthly coffee conversations providing a space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to connect and build community within FCPS.
Facing Challenges:

FCPS Pride works closely with the FCPS school board and leadership to navigate challenges like legal battles over policies related to gender identity and the need to counter anti-transgender sentiment.
Collaboration with other groups:

FCPS Pride works in coalition to support and amplify other local organizations in advocacy and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Examples of our work:

In 2020, the Fairfax County School Board officially recognized June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and in 2025 the Fairfax County School Board officially recognized the Transgender Day of Visibility.
FCPS has adopted policies and regulations that aim to create a safe and supportive environment for transgender and gender-expansive students.
FCPS Pride has been vocal in its support for transgender students in the face of new policies from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).