Human Rights - Gay Straight Alliance

To provide a forum for the discussion of issues pertaining to the provision and maintenance of a working environment free from harassment.

To help prevent harassment by working towards the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

To educate the school community on the types of incidents of behaviour which may be offensive, embarrassing, humiliating and/or patronizing and which deny individuals dignity and respect based on their sexual orientation.

To create safer schools by working to eliminate poisoned environments associated with discrimination based on sexual orientation and by dispelling the stereotypes, myths, and negative ideas that are part of these poisoned environments.

On April 8th, 2011 District 13 held its 4th Annual GSA District wide event, attended by over 150 students and staff. The aim of this day was to create awareness of LGBT issues in the effort to reduce homophopia in our schools and community.

The day began with a keynote talk by Egale Canada Director, Helen Kennedy.  Helen discussed her partner and son's experiences with homophobic stereotypes and bullying in their neighbourhood school. A wonderful video was shown that describes an example of homophobic bullying, but also the power of a school society to stand-up to such actions. This video can be found here.

The students participated in a quiz, led by Helen, on LGBT facts and misconceptions with prizes from sponsors.  Helen graciously accepted a monetary donation of $700 from District 13 that will be used to fund GSA initiatives and outreach such as are found through http://mygsa.ca/.  From here, the students made their way to the fun, exciting AND educational workshops they had signed-up for. Through music, arts, crafts and discussion, students from across Durham addressed the issues of stereotyping, bullying and discrimination in relation to sexual and gender identity.

In the afternoon, everyone was able to relax, clad themselves in glow stick bracelets and rainbow paraphernalia and get inspired by student performers during the coffee house portion of the day.  The boardroom at the DDSB never looked nor felt so groovy and gay! A special thanks to goes out to all of the teachers who organized this event, and to all of the students who participated and made this year's GSA Day a huge success!

See more pictures from this year's event here.

One per month, usually the third Monday of each month at the District Office at 4:30 p.m. Check the website for more information.

2011-2012 meeting dates: Sept.26, Oct. 17, Nov.21, Dec.14 (at OUT Lounge in Oshawa), Jan.23, Feb.13, Mar.19, Apr.23, May 14, and June 18.

This year's district wide GSA event will be held on April 13th.

Co-ordinate school-based GSA groups.

Work with committee members to determine priorities and events at the school level and district wide, e.g. Day of Silence, Anti-Homophobia Day, LGBT Heroes, etc.

Attend monthly District 13 Human Rights/GSA committee meetings.

Support staff professional development.

Download PDF here.