WELLINGTON COUNTY – In support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, local school boards are partaking in several initiatives to celebrate Pride month, emphasizing the importance of highlighting student voices and lived experiences.
To kick-off Pride month on June 1, the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB), accompanied by staff, students and the community, hosted three student-led, board-sponsored events across the district.
The events took place in Shelburne, Wellington North and Guelph. Students led those in attendance through a history of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and the work they’re doing in schools.
“It gave us a really good opportunity through the student voices that were present to really honour and celebrate the joy that comes with this month for our school communities,” superintendent of education UGDSB Brent McDonald said of the events.
“But also, the contributions that a lot of our students in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community make to our school communities and to their own communities.”
An important part, McDonald added, is to balance that messaging with the work that needs to continue to be done and recognize the harm that continues across society in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
“And what we can do to support that as a school system to make sure that our students all feel included and seen in our school communities,” he said.
The board has also released various resources to support schools as they celebrate the month, which can be found on the Upper Grand’s website.
An internal educator equity hub website is available for teachers as well, which covers topics ranging from focusing on positive histories and contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, to highlighting community events happening across the board.
There are also many student-led initiatives happening in schools, noted UGDSB equity lead Jessica Rowden.
The resources the board creates or supports, she explained, are informed by community services and local partnerships as well as the board’s 2SLGBTQIA+ affinity groups and student affinity groups.
“So we want to make sure that when we do support resources and share them at work, that they’re augmenting the voices in the areas of expertise and lived experience of the folks who are part of that community,” she said.
McDonald said the board has “a responsibility to include, to name and address any examples of homophobia or biphobia or transphobia or forms of hate across our system.
“But also to show that we’re supporting those students and their families and our communities so that school is inclusive for them.”
An important focus for the board, Rowden added, is to have an equal balance and approach to naming and addressing the oppression that’s experienced by individuals in those communities, while also celebrating “the joy of identity and the examples of excellence, contribution and rich heritage and histories of those in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”
While Pride month is only a 30-day celebration, it’s something the board is working to continue and make visible throughout the school year, McDonald said.
Catholic board
In support of Pride month, schools across the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) and the board office raised the Pride flag or progress flag to show its support to members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
“As a school district, we have a strong belief in equity and inclusion, and recognize the gift of diversity in our school communities,” WCDSB director of education Mike Glazier stated in an email to the Advertiser.
Last year marked the first year the Wellington Catholic board raised the Pride flag for the month of June.
“We know that visible signals of support let our students and staff know they are safe, welcomed and included,” Glazier wrote.
“In our Catholic schools we value all of our students and celebrate diversity within our communities.”
Glazier noted members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community continue to face higher risks of bullying, violence and harassment.
“With our staff and families, we want to ensure we create safe, inclusive and welcoming environments of learning and help show our support to our students,” he said.
Glazier noted the board is “signalling to our students that they are welcomed and cared for in our schools.”
He added, “it is our hope that all students and staff, including those who are members of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community, feel they are a welcomed part of a supportive community.”
