A recent change to BC’s Human Rights Code to include protection for “gender identity or expression” will be adopted by school districts across the province for their codes of conduct.
School District 47 already had language in their code that included gender under a long list of things students shall not discriminate against others for. This is encouraging.
In fact, Brooks Secondary School has a Gay Straight Transgender Alliance Club that has operated at the school, off and on, since 2009. In 2012, the group lobbied the school district to strengthen their anti-transgender and anti-homophobia policies. The school board decided against changes at that time, but began a “policy review.”
Now that the BC code has been changed, the school district has underlined the words “gender identity or expression” in their code of conduct to add emphasis.
While this emphasis is important, how can the school district actually support students who are facing discrimination, having gender identity questions or already beginning their transitions?
Schools need tangible ways to help students, and that involves education, resources and staff who are trained to give the right answers. They can then steer questioning youth toward counsellors who specialize in gender issues. From there, youth can have access to professionals who can help them make the best decisions.
Gender-neutral bathrooms are an example of a flagship initiative for transgender advocacy. Important as they are for students who are still questioning, they are just an example of inclusiveness.
Students who identify male, female, both or neither need to feel safe in whatever washroom they choose to use, especially since our school district is not planning on providing gender-neutral washrooms.
“Every time there’s a transgender rights bill, the press call it the bathroom bill, and that is an important part of people’s lives, but there is so much more than bathrooms,” said Marie Little, a board member of Vancouver’s Trans Alliance Society, a group whose mandate is to embrace gender diversity.
Little points to a case in Vancouver where a trans boy experienced discrimination because he wanted to play hockey on a boys team. The boy cited Vancouver School District’s anti-homophobia and diversity mentor, as well as support groups, as making a huge difference in his transition.
These are the type of resources the youth of Powell River need. Gay Straight Transgender Alliance Club is planning to resume this year, but they will require support and action from the school district.
Jason Schreurs, publisher/editor
