Gender and Sexual Diversity #10

Historically, there has been a significant lack of equal (if any) representation of 2SLGBTQ+ educational materials involved in the creation and administration of curriculum content in our school systems. More than ever, it is important to recognize that we live, study, and teach in a diverse gender society. Today’s children and youth are growing up in a new gender diverse world. It is important to acknowledge and create an environment that respects and celebrates our differences in gender identities and sexual orientation and expression. Creating an inclusive culture prevents children and youth from experiencing distress, discrimination, bullying and which can lead to negative health outcomes. Creating a respectful environment helps transgender and gender diverse children lead confident, happy, and healthy lives.

We need to learn to treat each other with dignity and respect regardless of our differences in gender, sexual orientation and sexual expression. We need to build understanding about the diverse society that we live in and act in ways which allow students to see how this is possible in a learning environment, and ultimately the rest of the world. 

There are plenty of ways to act as an ally in a classroom promoting healthy relationships to the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, by doing some easy things like adjusting our vocabulary in respect to non binary roles that we can apply to students and student guardians. Furthermore, by creating gender diverse class projects and promoting visuals inside classrooms that offer support and recognition of gender diversity in the school in another action that goes a long way. Additionally, providing opportunities and advocating for GSA (Gender Sexual Alliance) meetings to take place while forming safe spaces for sharing circles, expression, and companionship that is to be made available to all individuals in the school.