To mark the start of Pride Month, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) expresses solidarity with the 2SLGBTQ+ community and reaffirms its commitment to creating learning and working environments where 2SLGBTQ+ members, students, families, and allies feel safe, respected, and fully supported. 

Amidst a social landscape where some politicians and voices in the media seek to normalize homophobia and transphobia, ETFO members from the 2SLGBTQ+ continue to support students and work in learning communities that may not always be safe for them. Pride and Solidarity represents our union’s continued commitment to advocating for members, students, and communities.

The erasure of 2SLGBTQ+ communities in jurisdictions across Canada through regressive policies and legislation continues to be deeply troubling. Every person deserves to feel valued, respected, and supported for who they are, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. ETFO is proud to engage in this work within communities throughout the year and to support all ETFO locals in doing the same.

ETFO demonstrates its commitment to this work through the production of resources and promotional items that locals from across the province access at events in various municipalities. This year, ETFO is collaborating with Harmony Movement as part of their Words Matter campaign to create new lessons that address homophobia and transphobia. ETFO has also deepened its partnership with the Enchante Network to develop resources on intersectional identities and creating safer union spaces. 

The Federation also develops and distributes resources that promote equitable practices and social justice, and celebrate the power of our diversity and the strength of our solidarity. 

ETFO represents approximately 84,000 members, including public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators, education support personnel, and professional support personnel. Visit BuildingBetterSchools.ca.