The TDSB GSA Network is a space for 2SLGBTQIAP+ students, staff, and their allies in the TDSB to find community and resources.
Click here to access a tool for reporting systemic discrimination.
Click here to access a flow chart for staff with real-world examples
Click here for a collection of culturally responsive and relevant resources.
Click here for a calendar created by Egale to represent all the 2SLGBTQIA+ dates of significance.
Trans Day of Remembrance Display at East York Collegiate, 2022
Tutorial coming! For now, check out the Zoom website for instructions.
"The goal of gegi.ca is to equip all Ontario students and teachers – whether transgender or cisgender – with the tools to advocate for the right to express and live their gender in their own way without experiencing discrimination, harassment or violence, and without being told they have to change.
Recognizing that gender expression and gender identity have been protected grounds in the Ontario Human Rights Code since 2012, gegi.ca indirectly supports schools in learning about how their structures, practices and curricula may have to change."
Click here for resources on starting a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA).
Click here to find a list of activities for Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs).
Click here to find guidance on protecting health and privacy during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Download one of our printable PDF posters to promote the TDSB GSA Network in your school!
Created by Ava Ireland
Online platforms can present many barriers to trans, non-binary, and genderqueer students. While students can make changes to their preferred name in Trillium and have this reflected across the platforms, this may not be a safe option for students who do not want this information shared with their families. Students have a right to privacy, and no information relating to a student's gender or sexual identities should be shared with anyone without the student's consent.
Students may wish to rename themselves within an online synchronous class to affirm their gender while maintaining their privacy. There are three main ways to do this, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.
Click here to access our tutorials for renaming in Zoom!
"If you are a staff member in Canadian public, Catholic, and private schools who is aware of incidents of anti-Black racism perpetrated against students, colleagues, or even yourself, you can report it anonymously below. This information will be used by PoBC in order to collect data on instances of anti-Black racism in schools across the province. The submission of this form is merely a method to share your story.
"As a board employee (and potentially a union member), please be reminded that you are still expected to perform any reporting duties to those bodies as necessary. We are in no way affiliated with any school board or union. The purpose of this form is SOLELY to allow PoBC further insight into the realities of anti-Black racism in schools."
Click here for more information on this tool or to report.
Tutorial coming! For now, check out this video for instructions.
Each of the pages linked below has resources relevant to a particular subject area.
Theatre
The TDSB GSA Network is also a safer space for staff. If you are a 2SLGBTQ+ staff member looking for peer support, get in touch at tdsbgsanetwork@gmail.com.
The OSSTF Pride Committee "provides support for members working to create a safe, welcoming and accepting school environment for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity." Find more information, including meeting times here.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI) Committee "works to enhance awareness of LGBTQI issues in the Local, the teaching profession, and society." Find more, including contact information here.
Click here to view the slideshow.
Click here for an email template to send to students prior to the start of quad. This email lets students know that you will have renaming turned on and why.
Student surveys are a great way to get to know students and their needs. Click here for a survey which includes questions about students' names, pronouns, and when to use them.
Click here to view a slideshow which can be shared with students to explain the differences in the TDSB information system between preferred name and legal name, where these names are used, and how they can be changed.
Click here to view the document.
Resources from Egale's Awareness Resources:
2017 Student and Parent Census
Census Portraits: This page contains more detailed analyses such as portraits for LGBTQ students, Black LGBTQ students, and Transgender students
A resource for educators to move from a model of including trans people to affirming trans people
Anti-homophobia
Planned Parenthood: TEACH (Teens Educating and Confronting Homophobia)