October 14th, 2021 we were given an incredible lesson on SOGI in BC schools by Lisa Pryce. I found it extremely valuable as creating a safe space in my future classroom is a top priority. She emphasized the importance of forming relationships with students in your classroom to ensure they are comfortable being around you (regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity), along with providing examples of how as humans we will make mistakes, but students value your efforts and will often be happy to help you use the language around them that makes them feel comfortable.

Valuable lesson example:

  • Storybook including SOGI topics
  • Encourage thought and questions as you go
  • Use positive language around people who differ from CIS/heterosexual
  • SOGI does not need to be separate from the rest of your curriculum! Look for science/social studies/language teaching opportunities within a SOGI centered story

A few resources Lisa mentioned that I look forward to accessing are:

  • ā€œIt Feels Good to be Yourselfā€ by Teresa Thorn, illustrated by Noah Gringy
  • ā€œEveryone deserves a safe place to peeā€ Ted Talk by Ivan Coyote
  • SOGI 123

Another takeaway was the importance of policy 41 17. It stands for inclusion of all in SD57 and all BC schools. While I have not had a chance to read through it yet, however the meaning behind the policy would ensure I, as a teacher, would have support from the province in situations such as ensuring a student can use the bathroom, they feel comfortable in. I am so glad people such as Lisa Pryce exist within the school system as I know I will need advice and guidance when approaching SOGI issues within my class as I wish to be constantly learning how to make every person feel comfortable and safe in spaces I occupy.

SOGI should not be political, however, I am worried about issues with parents that may arise from teaching lessons involving varieties of gender identities and sexual orientations in my classroom. As it is a relatively new aspect of the BC curriculum, I donā€™t know what supports are in place if a parent was to challenge what I have taught in a class.