"While Canadian society is growing more diverse and inclusive, there is still resistance when it comes to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and two-spirit (LGBTQ2) youth in schools. Although recent research indicates that the vast majority of Canadian teachers (85%) now support LGBTQ2-inclusive education, many report not yet having the knowledge or training to feel confident in creating safer and more inclusive schools for LGBTQ2 youth.

Here are four key factors that can make a positive difference for LGBTQ2 students in K-12 schools"

LGBTQ2+ Literary Resources - Select the appropriate grade level from the table of contents to see a list of suggest resources shared by OutSaskatoon and fYrefly.

Mini Lesson for Beauty: Beyond the Binary
Themes:
Diversity/Pluralism – Identity
Family Studies / Home Economics – Child Development, Family Diversity and Challenges
Health / Personal Development – Human Growth and Development, Identity
Recommended Ages: 12 and up

Beauty: Beyond the Binary follows five gender-diverse youth as they share experiences (both affirming and challenging) that have influenced their journey towards becoming and expressing their authentic selves.

Activities are included.

Curriculum Connections to: Language Arts, Civics/Citizenship, Diversity/Pluralism, Family Studies

Every single person on this planet will experience gender and sexuality in a variety of ways. This playlist asks its viewers to consider the multitude of stories experienced by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities in order to create deeper, more empathetic understandings of what it means to be 2SLGBTQIA+ and additionally, to open up conversations about what it means for anyone to experience gender and sexuality.

Educators in particular can use this playlist with high-school-aged students to challenge stereotypical and prejudiced narratives about 2SLGBTQIA+ people, while adding complexity to the experiences of folks who identify as being part of this community. As students’ understanding and experiences of gender and sexuality continue to evolve, films like these can be important tools for them to see themselves or loved ones represented, to develop their capacity to discuss these issues, and to deepen their empathy for those whose experiences might be different from their own.

Curriculum Connections to: Language Arts, Civics/Citizenship, Diversity/Pluralism, Family Studies

Children pick up ideas about gender beginning in their infancy; they constantly observe the variety of families and forms of expression around them, and they might be curious about the feelings they have for others. The films on this playlist will help to open up conversations about gender identity and sexual orientation in age-appropriate ways for primary-school children.

Educators in particular can use this list to prompt thinking and discussion about how people might express gender or identify with one gender or another; or about why some families might look different from others; or about what love can look like. The films can be used as entry points to learning about gender stereotypes, name calling and safe spaces.

Children pick up ideas about gender beginning in their infancy; they constantly observe the variety of families and forms of expression around them, and they might be curious about the feelings they have for others. The films on this playlist will help to open up conversations about gender identity and sexual orientation in age-appropriate ways for primary-school children

Every single person on this planet will experience gender and sexuality in a variety of ways. This playlist asks its viewers to consider the multitude of stories experienced by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities in order to create deeper, more empathetic understandings of what it means to be 2SLGBTQIA+ and additionally, to open up conversations about what it means for anyone to experience gender and sexuality.