To coincide with Pink Shirt Day, Out in Schools has announced a new initiative that will address LGBT2Q+ discrimination in schools with a focus on Indigenous and Two-Spirit identities.
Photo: Out in Schools Facebook
Out in Schools is a non-profit program that aims to create safer spaces for all B.C. students by using independent queer film and facilitated discussions to inform students and educators about the impact that LGBT2Q+ discrimination has on their school and communities.
To share in Pink Shirt Day's anti-bullying sentiment, Out In Schools has announced the start of a new three-year funding agreement with TD, doubling a previous commitment with a new grant aimed at supporting the program’s growth into the province's rural communities.
Photo: Out In Schools
Since 2004, Out In Schools has reached over 100,000 youth in B.C. As the only program delivering film-based discussions on homophobia, transphobia, bullying, and inclusion in schools, demand for the program has tripled in the past five years alone, with rural B.C. representing more than half of the program’s reach.
According to preliminary results by the Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre at UBC, girls were less likely to experience discrimination and the odds of boys being bullied were reduced by nearly half, following presentations by Out In Schools.
The non-profit works with school boards, educators, community organizations and student-run Gay Straight Alliances to reduce isolation, foster belonging and increase the safety of learning environments for all youth in our communities.
Photo: Out In Schools
To learn more, visit OutInSchools.com
