Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity

Everyone has a Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.  

The SOGI inclusive classroom and school is based on the principles of respect, acceptance, safety, and equity. They recognize and honour diversity, and value the contributions of all members of our school communities to ensure that learning environments are safe, caring and inclusive. As a district, we are committed to establishing and maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for all students and employees including those who self-identify as a member of a sexual minority [including but not limited to those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersex, two-spirit, queer or who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity (LGBTQI2S+)]. 

The district recognizes and reaffirms its commitment to the anti-discrimination principles and values contained within the BC Human Rights Code, Canadian Human Rights Act, and Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms through Operational Procedure 130 (Diversity and Human Rights). Denying an individual’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity is a violation of their rights to free expression and equal protection under the law.  

As a district, we strive to not merely understand and accept our individual differences but rather to celebrate them.

Classroom Resources

SOGI 123 Classroom Teaching Resources

What does it mean to have SOGI addressed in the curriculum?

Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) is not its own curriculum; it is one aspect of diversity that is embedded across a range of grades and subject areas. SOGI-inclusive education is about treating everyone with dignity and respect.
The Ministry of Education is responsible for the creation of BC curriculum. SOGI 1 2 3 provides ready-to-use, grade-appropriate SOGI-inclusive lesson plans that align with that curriculum. Teachers can adapt or adopt SOGI 1 2 3 lesson plans to meet the needs of their classrooms.

The Gender Spectrum - What Every Educator Should Know

A person’s identity is made up of many parts, including their gender identity, gender expression, biological sex, and sexual orientation. This resource helps educators understand this concept so they can better serve the students in their classrooms.

BCTF Teaching Resources for LGTBTQI2S+ in the Classroom

A collection of classroom resources on the BCTF focusing on LGTBTQI2S+ content for ALL grades in ALL curricular content areas.

Placeholder for list of books in SD72 libraries and Ed Centre (lists, Every Gender Kit, etc.)

School & District Resources

Placeholder for: SD72 Policy, Procedures, BC Human Rights, Ministry Links

BC SOGI 123 

SD72 Elementary Rainbow Club Toolkit

Elementary Rainbow Diversity GSA Toolkit

Community Resources

Foundry BC

Foundry offers young people ages 12-24 health and wellness resources, services and supports – online and through integrated service
centres in communities across BC.

SOGI 123 Community Links

A wide range of community organizations, programs and services are ready to support teachers and students.

Trans Care BC

Trans Care BC supports the delivery of equitable and accessible care, surgical planning, and peer and community support for trans people across the province.

Egale Canada

Egale’s vision is a Canada, and ultimately a world, without homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and all other forms of oppression so that every person can achieve their full potential, free from hatred and bias.  This is a site that represents all of these ideas in blogs, links, training and workshops.

Qmunity

QMUNITY is what happens when queer, trans, and Two-Spirit folks looking for a sense of community come together to meet, guide, and support each other.

PFLAG Canada - Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

Pflag Canada is proud to be Canada’s only national organization that offers peer-to-peer support striving to help all Canadians with issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. We support, educate and provide resources to anyone with questions or concerns. We promise to offer local, practical, and emotional peer-to-peer family support for individuals and their loved ones challenged by gender/sexual identity.