Advocacy in Ontario
CCGSD Statement on Transphobic Campaign Targeting Ottawa Schools
Ottawa — On October 18 and 19, 2021, activists, community members, and organizations in Ottawa mobilized online and in person against an anti-trans “activist” targeting several schools in Ottawa. The “activist” in question, claiming that “Gender Ideology Does Not Belong in Schools!”, is specifically targeting transgender youth and students. This is abhorrent and unacceptable.
CCGSD disagrees wholeheartedly with these transphobic sentiments and echoes the statements released by 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming groups in the local Ottawa community, such as Rainbow Carleton. We support the work and counter protests being done by our community to stop the spread of transphobic messaging targeting youth.
As an organization that works directly with students and educators, CCGSD knows firsthand the importance of gender and sexual diversity in schools.Trans and queer youth remain disproportionately affected by violence, discrimination, and bullying. Gender and sexuality education, as well as the implementation of gender-affirming curricula, is critical in stopping the continued discrimination of trans and queer youth in schools.
Trans youth deserve to feel safe in their classrooms. We must stand against transphobic bullying in all its forms. Gender and Sexual Diversity Belongs in Schools!
If you want to learn more about the reality of transphobia, homophobia, and 2SLGBTQIA+ discrimination in schools across Canada, check out Egale’s “Still in Every Class in Every School.”
2SLGBTQIA+ resources for students, teachers, guardians, and caregivers are available through Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)’s “2SLGBTQ+ Supports.”
For trans-specific support in the Ottawa area, check out SAEFTY Ottawa.
For information please contact:
Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah
Executive Director
Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity
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Check out our statement co-created in partnership between the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity, Wisdom2Action and Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights: https://ccgsd-ccdgs.org/transinclusivefeminism/
Check out our recently joint panel discussion with Ottawa-Gatineau based trans activists on Safe(r) Cities for Trans Folks
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