For immediate release
June 1, 2004

National body of Canadian teachers endorses National Day against Homophobia

(CTF News Service - Ottawa) According to the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF), June 2 -- National Day against Homophobia -- is an ideal occasion for reflection and for 'teachable moments' to acquaint young people, teacher colleagues and parents about Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Two-Spirited (BGLTT) realities.

"Everybody has the right to a safe learning and working environment, regardless of their sexual orientation," says CTF President Terry Price. "As long as gay bashing, discrimination and exclusion based on sex-and-gender differences persist in Canadian society, we cannot achieve an inclusive society where the dignity, worth and integrity of all Canadians are recognized, respected and honored," adds Ms. Price.

"This is why CTF is advocating for change in the educational system through various ways in an effort to increase knowledge and nurture dialogue about BGLTT issues.

"We hope these steps will result in a positive and healthy environment for BGLTT people in education, whether they are students, parents, teachers or administrators. We, as a whole, stand to benefit from building an even more inclusive society," explains Ms. Price.

Currently, CTF has established an ad hoc committee and adopted policies on BGLTT issues. At its upcoming annual general meeting, additional resolutions will be at the core of discussions. Furthermore, in partnership with the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), CTF produced a resource document entitled Seeing the Rainbow. This 133-page document speaks to teachers who wish to further their understanding of BGLTT issues, to improve their teaching about sexual identity, and to ensure that each child is treated with respect and
dignity. The book is available for purchase at $10 per copy at <www.ctf-fce.ca> where additional resources are also posted on this issue.

Here are some suggestions for classroom activities:

Elementary Teachers:

• Read a story and talk positively about same sex families to students in your classroom. (Grades K - 3); i.e. King and King, ABC- A Family Alphabet Book, My Two Uncles and Asha's Mums.

• Put up a Homophobia Free Zone poster in your classroom and discuss the harmful effects of using anti-gay slurs. (Download free posters at www.galebc.org)

• Read a story with an BGLTT character in it to your class; i.e. From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun  (Grades 6/7), The House You Pass on the Way (Grades 6/7), Jack (Grades 6/7) and S.P. Likes A.D. (Grades 4 - 7)

• Show one of the anti-homophobia educational videos from the National Film Board (www.nfb.ca); i.e. "Sticks and Stones" or "Apples and Oranges" (Grades 3 - 7).

• Have a class discussion about Canadian newsworthy events  (Grades 6/7)
  (i.e. Hate Speech provisions in Criminal Code of Canada, amended April 28, 2004, by the passage of Bill C-250;  or same-sex marriage in Canada).

Secondary School Teachers:

• Highlight famous BGLTT people and discuss their contributions to society within your subject area (i.e. English, P.E., Science, Music, Art). For names, look at Lesson Plans pages 49-54, in the book
  Challenging Homophobia in Schools, available in your school or from B.C.T.F. Lesson Aids or from GALE-BC.

• Host an anti-homophobia poster competition in your school.

• Invite speakers to your class or an assembly during Pride Month (June). Contact a local BGLTT society in your area (i.e. Gab Youth Services, GALE BC, PFLAG Canada, ASIA and Youth Co AIDS Society).

• Put up a Homophobia Free Zone poster in your classroom and draw analogies between many forms of oppression. (Download free posters at www.galebc.org)

• Show one of the anti-homophobia educational videos from the National Film Board (www.nfb.ca); i.e. "In Other Words" or "One of Them" (Grades 8 - 12).

• Debate an issue regarding BGLTT people and equality within your classroom (i.e. Same-sex marriage - Agree or disagree? What are the merits of gay straight alliance (GSA) clubs in schools? Should sex education be inclusive of LGBT information? ).

• Discuss Canadian Law and BGLTT issues; i.e. Same-sex marriage or Hate Speech provisions in Criminal Code of Canada, amended April 28, 2004 by the passage of Bill C-250 (Grades 6 - 12) B.C. Human Rights Code (Grades 6 - 12) Hate Crimes Sentencing, in Criminal Code of Canada (Grades 9 - 12).
  
  More activities and lesson plans are available in the Seeing the Rainbow document.
  
  CTF is the national voice of over 200,000 teachers across Canada.
  
   

Terry Price, President, (613) 232-1505
Information:
Noreen O'Haire, Director of Professional and Developmental Services,
(613) 232-1505
Francine Filion, Director of Communications, (613) 232-1505

Link to Official web site of National Day against Homophobia:
http://www.emergence.qc.ca/homophobie/en/

Link to Media Awareness Network resources:
http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/gays_and_lesbians/
index.cfm