Supporting trans, Two-Spirit, and gender creative students starting school this fall

With school starting this week, we’re calling on educators, family members, and allies to foster school environments that are affirming, supportive, and safe for trans, Two-Spirit, and gender creative students.

Starting or returning to school can be profoundly stressful for students of all ages who are bullied, harassed, and discriminated against based on their gender identities and expressions. Increasing visibility of trans people has coincided with increasing political discourse and legislation that targets and harms, trans, Two-Spirit, and gender creative youth. It is critical for educators, families, and allies to show their support—we know that trans and non-binary youth who have gender-affirming school and home environments have significantly better mental health outcomes [i].

We’ve put together a list of resources below with more information on how we can come together to support gender-diverse students who are starting or returning to school in September.

Resources

We are Allies is a national campaign that was created to help adults learn how to support and care for trans, Two-Spirit, and non-binary youth in their lives. Visit this website for storytelling and resources to guide and strengthen your allyship of young people.

Gender education

If gender diversity is a newer topic for you, start by checking out Trans Care BC’s website and free online courses. If you’re already familiar with the topic, think about using professional development days to expand or brush up on your knowledge.

• Trans Care BC's Intro to Gender Diversity course
• Trans Care BC’s Supporting Gender Creative Children and their Families course
• Trans Care BC’s Indigenous Gender Diversity course  
• We are Allies Resources for further learning
• Trans Care BC’s webpage on Understanding Gender

Information for parents on working with schools

• Trans Care BC’s has a webpage with information for parents on engaging with schools, including a list of resources that can be shared with school staff

Information for school staff

One way staff can show support is by displaying and sharing information: 

• Infographic on bathrooms – Michigan Technological University
• Tips on Gender-Specific and Gender Neutral Pronouns – The 519
• Making Mistakes and Correcting them infographic – Trans Care BC
• Infographics on pronouns – “No Big Deal” campaign
• Social justice teaching resources, including 2SLGBTQ+ resources – BC Teachers’ Federation
• Out in Schools – BC’s award-winning 2SLGBTQIA+ film education program
• Principles of Equity-Centred, Trauma-Informed Education – by Alex Shevrin Venet
• We are Allies' Downloadable Resources (including printable posters)
• SOGI 123 – resources to empower educators to make schools safer for and more inclusive for all students
• SOGI-Inclusive Education Resource Guide

Trans rights & organizing

Promote trans rights, organizing, and community building in schools:

• Trans Care BC’s page on resources for youth, including tips on setting up and running a GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance)
• Trans Rights BC’s information on the rights of trans students in BC schools 
• Government of BC's SOGI webpage

Community support

Know where to find gender affirming peer support for youth throughout BC.

Support for youth:

• UNYA 2-Spirit Collective for youth 
• Qmunity youth services
• Trans Care BC’s peer support directory
• Foundry’s peer support
• Foundry’s groups and workshops

Support for families of trans youth:

• Trans Care BC’s information and supports for parents of gender creative and trans children
• Trans Care BC’s understanding gender page