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
The Ministry of Education’s “Education Equity Action Plan” is available to support equity and inclusion in schools and provides guidance the Ministry of Education released its Education Equity Action Plan to identying and eliminating discriminatory practices, systemic barriers and bias from schools and classrooms (English / French).
Positive Spaces 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 more often consider college or university. These measures can help make the school experience vastly more positive for 2S-LGBTQ+ students.
Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs)
Gay-Straight Student Alliances (GSAs) are student-run and teacher supported school-based groups that promote welcoming, respectful, safe and inclusive spaces for 2S-LGBTQ+ students and their allies. GSAs can be a space for friendship and support, and they can also organize and host events and activities school wide. A successful GSA promotes healthy relationships and welcomes diverse people in the school community.
How to Start at GSA at Your School:
- Provide the same status and visibility to the GSA as you would to any other student group or club (for example, including it on your school web site)
- Ensure the teacher-advisor feels supported in their role
- Promote the GSA as a group open to all students and school staff
- Welcome straight allies as well as the 2S-LGBTQ+ community
- Provide a safe place that is welcoming, inclusive and confidential
Additional Resources:
- The Canadian Teachers’ Federation supports creating a gender inclusive school culture (English / French).
- Egale – Canada's leading organization in 2S-LGBTQ+ advocacy, awareness and research
- The Canadian Encyclopedia article on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights in Canada (English / French)
- International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia – Free promotional resources , and support for celebrating International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 17 (English / French).
- PFLAG Canada – Supporting, educating, and providing resources to all individuals with questions or concerns (including parents), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (English / French).
- The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity – promotes diversity in gender identity, gender expression, and romantic and/or sexual orientation through education, health and advocacy.
Rainbow Health Ontario – works to improve the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people in Ontario, and to increase access to competent and LGBTQ+ friendly health care services across the province (English / French).