2SLGBTQIA+ Education

To break down the institutionalized injustices that 2SLGBTQIA+ face, we must begin with education. As educators, we must ensure we are constantly educating ourselves and listening to the lived experiences of others, especially our students. We must take on the responsibility of creating classroom environments which are safe, inclusive, and welcoming and we must develop the proper skills to find resources and materials that are not intrinsically oppressive. Inevitably, this will be challenging and sometimes uncomfortable, but if we ground ourselves in humility and kindness, we can learn with our students along the way. It is so important that our students know that we are learning too and that we are not perfect so that we can create classroom environments where everyone feels free to learn. 

We must equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools so that we can educate our students on these institutionalized injustices; and hopefully, these students of ours will grow up to be justice-oriented change-makers who educate those around them. 

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”

• Nelson Mandela 

Tearing down the barriers that 2SLGBTQIA+inevitably face and creating a more equitable world begins in the classroom. Our classrooms are microcosms of society, so as educators, we can begin by modelling what this more equitable world looks like. We need to be advocates for our students, we need to be representative, and we need to educate ALL of our students to be respectful, empathetic, and compassionate. We also need to be advocates outside of our classrooms as well…in the staff room, in public, and on social media. Being an advocate and ally is a way of life!