Page 12 | Autumn 2022 Talking about gender and sexual diversity in education continued
people to work with schools to become more inclusive .
But while I have seen immense growth from educational organizations on the topic of GSD , I also have seen a move to performative and neo-liberal approaches to this work . Schools are hoisting Pride flags and sharing instagram posts about their GSAs , but they are still failing at providing 2SLGBTQ + young people with a queer-affirming space to learn and grow . Trans children continue to be misgendered and belittled by their teachers and administrators , elementary students lack intersectional and critical pedagogy related to GSD topics , and queerinclusive sexual health education is still far behind . There is so much more work to do — and schools need to recognize that a Pride flag , while important , needs to be accompanied with critical and radical approaches to education .
I would also name that I think that the training of future teachers is improving around topics related to GSD , notably because the University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan have invested more energy into finding faculty who focus on queer or Two-Spirit studies in education . Despite this purposeful effort though , I continue to witness both BEd and MEd students discussing GSD topics with little to no critical lens .
Christie : I think gay-straight alliances ( GSA ) in schools have created safe spaces and conversations that didn ’ t even seem possible 25 years ago . I know there ’ s still work to do , but I am grateful for the work of every student and every teacher involved in GSAs today .
James : Like sexuality and gender itself , this field of study and practice is fluid and dynamic and continuing to change . For example , when I graduated from high school homosexuality was not only considered a sin , a sickness , and a perversion , it was also illegal and individuals were imprisoned because of their sexual orientation . In the space of 50 years , our society has rapidly changed its understanding of sexual orientation and gender identities and gradually now appreciates that difference and diversity is a strength for all of us and something to embrace and celebrate . The struggle for basic human rights and equity is as old as civilizations themselves and we have a much better understanding now that all cultures over time have always had gender and sexual diversities .
Kyla : Markers of success include the fact that many students are expecting to be seen , heard , and www2 . uregina . ca / education / news