Back-to-School with Egale Canada

Every student in Canada has the right to a safe and inclusive learning environment where they (and their families) are reflected. However, Egale Canada’s national report, Still in Every Class in Every School, shows that 2SLGBTQI students continue to face homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia at school. This reality in our schools is in addition to the undeniable rise in anti-2SLGBTQI hate that we are continuing to see across Canada and around the world. 

This is why it’s more important than ever that we all come together to create safe and inclusive schools for 2SLGBTQI students. 

Egale’s suite of Inclusive Schools offerings includes something for everyone in your school community. Start this back-to-school season equipped with the tools you need to be a champion for creating inclusive classrooms and schools.  

Want to stay up-to-date on new school resources?

Join The Educator Network, – a quarterly eNewsletter where you will receive early access to tools, resources, workshop invitations, and more from Egale’s Inclusive Schools offerings.

Difficult Conversation
Tip Sheet

FOR ALL EDUCATORS

This resource is designed to empower educators to tackle challenging conversations in the classroom and beyond.  

Teacher FAQ: Navigating Conversations About the Sex Ed Curriculum

FOR ALL EDUCATORS

This resource is designed to empower educators to tackle challenging conversations with students around the Sex Ed curriculum.

Opting Out of the Sex Ed Curriculum Information

FOR EDUCATION LEADERS

Education leaders can share this resource with parents and caregivers when they choose to opt youth out of the Sex Ed curriculum over gender and sexual diversity lessons.

Preparing Students for the Transition of a Trans or Gender Diverse Peer:

You have just found out that a student will be transitioning to affirm their gender identity in your class. Use the guide to prepare your students for this transition and do your best to minimize potential bullying and harassment, as well as equip classmates to be friends and allies. 

Four Step Guides

Starting a new school year can feel daunting, full of new experiences and emotions. Egale is excited to release our new Four Step Guides to Empowerment. These guides are guides for (1) 2SLGBTQI students, (2) parents/guardians, and (3) educators to support empowerment, resilience, and self-advocacy in the school community and beyond.

Relearn and React Series

The Relearn and React Series is a collection of ready-to-use toolkits with companion videos to help you introduce 2SLGBTQI content while cultivating inclusive classrooms. Featuring a range of subjects including Health and Physical Education, Canadian and World Studies, Math, Art, and English — the toolkits highlight 2SLGBTQI representation and inclusion within the Ontario curriculum for grades 7-11. 

2SLGBTQI Days of Significance Calendar

Looking for a comprehensive guide to dates of significance in the 2SLGBQTI calendar? Look no further! 

There are many notable 2SLGBTQI awareness periods to celebrate, observe, and remember. This list includes Days of Visibility, Pride Weeks, and Remembrance Days, so you can stay informed about all the events happening all year round! Use this calendar to plan bulletin boards, lesson plans, storytimes, and other classroom and school-wide initiatives.

Affirming Adults: A Guide to Supporting Gender Diverse Children and Youth:

This guidebook will support you as you take an important step in familiarizing yourself with your child’s gender identity and gender expression. It includes terms and concepts, information to help you with some of the complex emotions that come along with becoming an affirming adult, and how to develop skills to support your child. 

Knowledge Sharing Workshop for Senior Education Leaders

🕔 3-Hours | 💬 English and French 

In this hands-on session, participants will engage in collaborative and in-depth conversations about school- and board-wide solutions and opportunities for advancing 2SLGBTQI school inclusion. It provides opportunities for networking, small group activities, and best practices dialogue. Some of the themes discussed in these sessions include inclusive leadership, whole school strategies, supporting 2SLGBTQI students and families, affirming identities while also being culturally responsive, human rights legislation, and more. 

Change Agents: The Power of Youth Action 

🕔 90-Minutes | 💬 English and French 

In this interactive workshop, high school students will learn how to become active change agents in their school community and beyond. Students will be guided through a “choose your own adventure” activity in which they will need to collectively apply strategic steps to address a social injustice situation, overcome unexpected challenges, and ultimately reach their goal. They will leave feeling empowered to take on individual and collective approaches to social action that help foster safer and more inclusive environments for everyone. 

Introduction to 2SLGBTQI Inclusion 

• Components of Human Identity
• Pronouns Usage Guide
• Affirming and Inclusive Language
• 2SLGBTQI Terms and Definitions
• Terms and Definitions: Systems of Oppression and Privilege

Further In-Depth Education

• 2SLGBTQI Sports Inclusion: Playbook to breaking down barriers
• Tips on how to practice 2SLGBTQI Allyship
• Toilet Training: The basics of making your washrooms inclusive for everyone
• Supporting Your Gender Diverse Child