Celebrate the Rainbow!
Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer and sometimes questioning (2S-LGBTQ+) parents, students, and staff provide valuable insight on what works well and where improvements can be made to support 2S-LGBTQ+ health and well-being in schools. 2S-LGBTQ+ school members bring their own culture, history, and perspectives that enrich the whole school community. We encourage school communities to increase their own awareness of 2S-LGBTQ+ issues and to support the 2S-LGBTQ+ community to play an active role in school improvement strategies.
2S-LGBTQ and the Ministry of Education
To support equity and inclusion in student education, the Ministry of Education released its Education Equity Action Plan which involves working with the school community to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices, systemic barriers and bias from schools and classrooms. More information is available here: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/equity.html
Positive Space at School
Positive Spaces are one way to make schools safe, inclusive, and welcoming places that are respectful of gender and sexual diversity. Supportive school staff, visible signage of Positive Spaces, along with anti-bullying policies that include harassment based on sexual orientation and offering Gay Straight Alliances make students feel safer, attend school, and consider college or university more often. These measures can help to make the school experience a vastly more positive one for 2S-LGBTQ+ students.