Egale Canada Media Release

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Home > Being a Member > World Teachers' Day 2011 > Egale Canada Media Release

Something Special Just For Teachers

October 5, 2011

MyGSA.ca/educators

TORONTO: Oct 5th is World Teachers’ Day and Egale Canada, Canada's national lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) human rights organization, is sending a message of thanks and support to all teachers across the country. If you’re a teacher looking for support regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) issues visit Egale’s national safer schools website, MyGSA.ca/educators.

Statistics show “two thirds of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirited, queer and questioning students feel unsafe at school” with “over two thirds of all students hear[ing] homophobic expressions such as ‘that’s so gay’ every day in school.” This and further research from Egale’s recently released Every Class in Every School: Final Report on the First National Climate Survey on Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia in Canadian Schools point to the critical role of teachers in helping create safer and more inclusive school communities for everyone.

“Teachers have always been on the frontlines, pushing for progress in every major struggle for equality, and it’s no different today,” says Helen Kennedy, Executive Director of Egale Canada. From acting as staff sponsor for the school Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) club, through to delivering anti-bullying workshops and hosting LGBTQ spirit days, Canada’s teachers are working hard to make schools safer for everyone.

Visit Canada’s national safer schools site for educators, MyGSA.ca/educators. This site features a variety of resources and provides many opportunities for networking with other teachers and other education experts.

LGBTQ teachers who are comfortable to be out in the classroom are in the unique position to act as invaluable role models for LGBTQ students or those who may be questioning. Not all teachers are allowed such freedom and it’s important to note that there is still much work to be done to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for everyone.

Egale is Canada’s LGBT human rights organization advancing equality, diversity, education, and justice.

For more information: Helen Kennedy, 416-270-1999

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