SOGI
Getting the Terminology Right By Carolyn Gruske Gender fluid. Two-spirit. Trans. Cisgender. These are some of the terms students can use to describe themselves and where they are on the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity. Although the language may be new or unfamiliar, experts say that teachers need to be open to using and hearing it so they can acknowledge their students’ identities. “There’s no room for discrimination in our schools and teachers know that,” says Chanelle Tye who works for the LGBTQ+ education program, SOGI 1 2 3, as a British Columbia education lead. “I think an important thing for educators to remember is that sitting in front of you are students who are different from you, and who need to feel that they belong. And we know that when kids feel belonging and connectedness at school, they succeed not only at school, but outside of school. So I think regardless of what your personal beliefs or understandings are, as an educator you’re mandated to create safe spaces for students, and I don’t think anybody is against that.” SO stands for sexual orientation and GI stands for gender identity. SOGI 1 2 3 is a program created by: ARC (Awareness. Respect. Capacity), a private foundation based in Vancouver; in collaboration with the BC Ministry of Education; the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation; school districts across the province; the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Education; other TEACH | LE PROF