Recent changes to the BC Human Rights Code to include “gender identity and expression”, as well as a new directive from the Ministry of Education, demonstrate how the legal and professional landscape regarding sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in schools has progressed. Not only is this inclusion now legally necessary, but it is imperative to create a society where people can accept themselves and others. Educators, researchers, and administrators are recognizing that SOGI inclusive policies and practices benefit all students by creating a more positive and accepting school climate from Kindergarten through to university. Unfortunately, while a majority of educators support this work, many say they don’t have the training or resources.
This two-day summer program will address this gap in knowledge and resources by developing and presenting inclusive pedagogical approaches that recognize, and intervene to transform, the impacts of systemic discrimination towards sexual and gender minorities. This course will first remind you why SOGI education is so critical, by exploring the harm of homophobia, transphobia and a rigid gender binary. It will then introduce you to incredible guest speakers who will bring lived experience and real world strategies to life. Your experienced co-facilitators will present hands-on activities and group discussion in a supportive atmosphere to bring everyone along in their own journey of sexuality and gender understanding. In addition to building and advancing knowledge, both teachers and administrators also want tools they can use immediately. This course will provide easy to use, proven lesson plans from K-12, matched with top resources such as books, film and video, websites and supportive community organizations. As well, facilitators will highlight and allow you to problem solve and discuss the most common SOGI scenarios which arise in schools. By brainstorming together, you can be proactive and thus avoid issues, while also preparing yourself to react with greater confidence in the future.
Key topics will include:
- a deeper understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity as spectra
- essential SOGI terminology and language
- legal requirements, Ministry guidelines, school policies and procedures
- best practices for facilities, field trips and extra-curricular activities
- creating an inclusive classroom and school environment
- running a successful gender sexuality alliance (GSA) or elementary diversity club
- meeting the needs of trans and gender fluid youth
- building trust and addressing parent/community questions
- understanding and developing an intersectional approach/lens
- an introduction to Two Spirit identities and experiences
- tips for inclusive sexual health education
- responding to and teaching students to respond to discrimination.
Instructors:
Steve Mulligan, Lori MacIntosh
Location:
UBC Vancouver Campus
Leonard S. Klinck Building (LSK) | Room 462
6356 Agricultural Rd