SOGI – What is it?

SOGI stands for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Gender identity and gender expression protections were added to the BC Human Rights Code in BC in 2016.

As of 2017, Bill C16 made discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression illegal anywhere in Canada.

SOGI policies were implemented in all BC schools in 2017 to reflect the BC Human Rights Code which requires all public institutions to be 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive and eliminate discrimination.

What SOGI looks like in schools:

All students should see themselves and their families reflected in their learning experience. This means that students of all diverse backgrounds, including race, disability status, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression and more must be represented in everyone’s learning. This approach requires representing diversity in student’s lives but also the diversity of their families. Everyone is welcome in BC public schools.

SOGI policies and laws require schools to:

– Have diversity representation in learning materials
– Have anti-bullying measures in place to protect all students
– Take steps to include all students in all activities
– Provide dignity and privacy options for students, such as single-stall washrooms and changerooms

All students should learn about ways of life other than their own during their learning experience.

This is how we ensure a society that is harmonious and inclusive.

Looking at the BC Curriculum is a good source of information to find out what is actually happening in BC schools: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/

Spreading misinformation about transgender, gender diverse and sexual orientation-diverse people is dangerous because it causes youth and community members to feel erased, afraid and stigmatized. This fear and isolation causes us to have the highest self-harm, suicide and addiction rates in society. Hate speech and discrimination against 2SLGBTQ+ people violates our Charter Rights and the Canada Human Rights Code. In Canada, It is illegal to discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Instead of repeating disinformation, try to teach others to be welcoming and see the best in everyone.

By showing love, inclusion, acceptance and allyship you are creating a community where everyone can feel safe, included and respected. That’s all we want.

Please do your part to create an inclusive community.