Pride month is an opportunity not just to celebrate, but to work against Homophobia, Biphobia, Queerphobia, Transphobia and all phobias against diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. As educators we all have a vital role to play in this work. SOGI resources and curriculum play an important role in creating supportive environments for children, but have also become a focus of those opposed to this work.
The STA along with STA LGBTQ2+ Committee condemns two anti-SOGI events that occurred in BC in 2021.
- On March 3, 2021, a Chilliwack school trustee informs parents, via a private anti-LGBTQ Facebook group, to pull kids out of public schools due to SOGI on the premises that SOGI prematurely sexualizes children.
- On April 10, 2021, an anti-Trans protest rally occurred in Vancouver to demonstrate against child-medical transition and gender identity in schools.
Such anti-SOGI incidents have an especially harmful impact on our youth because they create space for hatred, exclusion and discrimination. Actions like these are aimed at excluding community members with diverse sexual orientation and gender identities. They continue to occur despite clear legal protections in B.C. and Canadian human rights legislation against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
As teachers and caring professionals, we must denounce such discrimination in all its forms. The STA stands in solidarity with all our Queer and Trans members and students. It is important for us to take the time to reach out and let them know that they are welcome, loved and safe in our schools.
The STA LGBTQ2+ Committee represents Queer, Trans and Ally members and we are here to support, empower and stand by you if you need us. To contact the LGBTQ2+ Committee, please email sta@surreyteachers.org.
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