June is Pride Month

Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, learn about the achievements and histories of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, acknowledge the many challenges 2SLGBTQ+ communities continue to face, and to reaffirm our support for all identities and stand together against discrimination. Pride Month is celebrated internationally in June, in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots that took place in June 1969. 

Throughout the month, the OCDSB Pride flag will be flown outside all schools and administration buildings. By flying the OCDSB Pride Flag, OCDSB is reaffirming its values and commitment to creating and sustaining a learning and working environment where 2SLGBTQ+ students, families and staff matter and are welcome, seen and represented at the OCDSB. 

However, reaffirming our values and committing to providing equitable, inclusive and accessible environments, does not end with simply flying the OCDSB Pride Flag. While the month provides a special opportunity to learn and celebrate, schools across the District are encouraged to engage in learning that reflects the experiences, and perspectives of 2SLGBTQ+ communities all year round.

Representation within the curriculum and classroom is a human right. Any erasure of 2SLGBTQ+ identities from the curriculum is a form of discrimination. Teachers have a professional and legal obligation to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for 2SLGBTQ+ students and families by embedding resources that reflect and respect 2SLGBTQ+ identities. 

While it is important to celebrate, it is also important to remember that we all have a role to play in standing up to homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, transmisogyny, and all forms of discrimination. 

On behalf of the OCDSB and the Board of Trustees, we would like to speak directly to 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff, and families and say - we see you, we hear you, we value your contribution and the learning that you afford us, and we remain committed to ensuring that our schools and workplaces are safe, welcoming and inclusive.

Resources:

• Parent/Caregiver FAQs for Pride Conversations 
• OCDSB 2SLGBTQ+ Supports Webpage 
• Better Together in a Safe and Caring Learning Community
• Ontario Human Rights Code
• The Ontario Human Rights Commission Policy on Preventing Discrimination because of Gender Identity and Gender Expression
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Education Act
• Policy on Preventing Discrimination Based on Creed (OHRC)
• Balancing Claims of Competing Rights (OCDSB) 

Additional Learning Resources

• OCDSB Gender Identity and Gender Expression Guide
• #HearOurStories
• Courage in the Face of Hate
• Canadian Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity 2SLGBTQ+ History Program

Resources for Students:

• LGBT Youthline: 2SLGBTQ+ youth peer support service.
• Ten Oaks Project: Summer camp for children and youth from 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and groups for parents and caregivers of trans youth.
• Kind Space: 2SLGBTQ+ community resource center, offers online youth groups.
• Support and Education for Trans Youth (SAEFTY) Ottawa: Drop-in groups for trans and gender-diverse children, youth, and families. 
• LGBTQIA+ Newcomer Program
• Wabano: Two Spirit Youth Circle (12-17)
• Family Services Ottawa ‘Transcend’: Group for trans/gender diverse youth (11-17)
• Youth Services Bureau: Spectrum (Virtual events for 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 12-25) and Mental Health Support and Counselling Services 
• Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre ‘Queerios’: Virtual 2SLGBTQ+ youth drop-in group (12-18).
• CHEO’s Gender Diversity Clinic: CHEO’s Gender Diversity Clinic supports children, youth and families at all stages of their journey with gender identity.
• Gender Creative Kids Canada: Community organization that supports trans, non-binary, and gender-fluid youth’s affirmation within their families, schools, and communities