School's OUT
The Faculty of Education strives to facilitate discussions that both influence and affect positive change in education. On Wednesday, January 29, the Faculty’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) will host a panel to further these discussions by raising awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, 2-spirit and queer/questioning (LGBT2Q) issues in education.
“School’s OUT: Educators, Students and Community Members Discuss LGBT2Q Issues” will feature seven expert panelists who will share their insights on providing safer, more inclusive and equitable learning spaces for LGBT2Q youth and their allies.
Panelists include:
- Tara Kahnert (Teacher, London District Catholic School Board);
- Zach Templeman (Facilitator, Open Closet and Hepatitis C Educator, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection);
- NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun (Long Feather);
- Lyndon George (Hamilton Community Legal Clinic);
- Jenny Kassen (Supply Teacher, Thames Valley District School Board);
- Saxon Boone (Thames Valley District School Board); and
- Wil Sorrell (Educational Support Technologist, and Co-Chair of Positive Space, Fanshawe College).
Questions from audience members will also be welcomed during the event.
Alicia Lapointe, School’s OUT event coordinator and member of the GSA, hopes that this event will offer valuable professional development to help propel LGBT2Q issues to the forefront of educator’s minds.
“When educators come to understand the particular challenges and triumphs of LGBT2Q people, it heightens their sensitivity to the needs of sexual and gender minorities and provides guidance for supporting them,” Lapointe said. “Breaking stereotypes and countering prejudice involves learning about others and respecting them as people first.”
School’s OUT will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 1162 of the Faculty of Education Building. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Attendees will receive an electronic certificate of participation.
For more information and/or to RSVP, please visit the event’s Facebook page.
