Pride Month is an important time of year because it demonstrates that everyone, regardless of their gender or sexuality, deserves equality, equity and respect.
That’s according to Eva Mahoukpo, a student at St. Joseph's Catholic High School, who was just one of more than a dozen students who took part in a video project to define why Pride Month is important to them.
As we prepared to begin Pride Month, it was imperative for us to reach out to our students to hear directly from them about what matters most during the month of June.
“We were very moved by many of the responses we received from the students,” said Superintendent Rosemary LoFaso, whose portfolio includes promoting equity in our schools. “Many of the students spoke about the need to recognize their friends among us who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ and acknowledge that they are all God’s children. They spoke of our need to create safer spaces, to be supportive allies, to promote mutual respect and understanding and most importantly, to show our unconditional love for them.”
During June, and throughout the year, many of our schools, Student Councils, Social Justice Clubs, and Gay-Straight/Gender-Sexuality Alliance clubs work together with school administration to lead student announcements, activities and lessons that promote safe and inclusive environments.
Educators have access to a number of resources that promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion for all students, regardless of self-identification, through our Building Equitable Classroom resource. And our faith-based curriculum will continue to reinforce the values taught by Jesus Christ of love, mercy, acceptance, understanding and welcome for all people, especially those who feel persecuted or marginalized in any way.
In a message to Ontario’s Directors of Education and Chairs of School Boards, Education Minister Stephen Lecce said given that many 2SLGBTQ+ students face increasing levels of bullying, harassment, and mental health issues, he expects that school boards will redouble their efforts to protect these students and ensure their inclusion within Ontario schools.
“It is incumbent on all school boards to ensure all students – most especially 2SLGBTQ+ students – feel supported, reflected in their schools, and welcomed within our communities,” Lecce said. “That includes celebrating Pride in a constructive, positive and meaningful ways to affirm that 2SLGBTQ+ students know that their educators and staff, school board administrators, and government stand with them.”
We’ll be sharing our student voice videos throughout June on Twitter and Instagram. You can view all of the videos here:
St. Anne
Emma - https://youtu.be/hFVFwhsXdUc
Evan - https://youtu.be/8NBY6Wi3qrQ
Gabby - https://youtu.be/xTwFzgLwK-U
Madison - https://youtu.be/ZyjISuPwNiM
St. Joseph's
Eva - https://youtu.be/oeySp4NEduA
Holy Names
Fallyne - https://youtu.be/gQc4CqsPPhA
Tessa - https://youtu.be/-5To0b9Yz7k
Villanova
Kai - https://youtu.be/-FbjpU1csBA
Payton - https://youtu.be/7jFAZXL5MYY
Catholic Central
Muhindo: https://youtu.be/VITZMymu5hc
Blake: https://youtu.be/WDZ6VwfNKnQ
Joseph: https://youtu.be/evRW7fuBu78
Benjie: https://youtu.be/tSw3DBdvby4
Isabella: https://youtu.be/iwUG8m8MpuE