Many people are worried about the impact of recent changes to the Sexual Education Curriculum but are not sure how to move forward. Make It Wright and Youth Elevating Youth (YEY) are coming together on November 29th at 7pm, at the Milk Maid 947, 2nd Avenue East, Owen Sound, to facilitate a letter writing campaign to local politicians voicing these concerns.
When the PC party of Ontario first repealed the sexual education curriculum to one that censored topics around sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual violence, concern grew amongst many community members. Most recently, the PC party passed the resolution titled: ‘Education and Community Safety’. Although Resolution R4 is not currently official policy, it is reopening the debate of the existence of transgender and non-binary people. Canada has both federal and provincial protections for transgender people in judicial rights and policy, and business and healthcare practices. This ‘resolution’ implies that transgender people pose a threat to the safety of community and that talking about gender with young people is dangerous. These changes have created greater concern for the safety of the LGBTQ+ community.
‘We are very concerned with the lack of empathy towards queer and trans youth, and youth in general who are in need of education that promotes a positive sense of sexuality, and gender and sexual identity. To erase gender identity from the curriculum erases trans people themselves, invalidates personal freedom and expression that has implications for people of all identities.’ says YEY collective member Skye Cormier.
All are welcome to this interactive workshop, whether you identify as transgender, have friends or family who do, or that you believe in the humanity and rights of everyone. All are encouraged to bring any devices to compose their letter on; paper and pens will also be provided. An open discussion about political advocacy will be facilitated by researcher and activist Natalie Kivell, who has a background in social movement work, social transformation, and Community Psychology, along with Make it Wright member Anne-Marie Hay, who has a background in social policy and public administration. They will guide the group step by step through the effective letter writing process and the group will brainstorm ideas together about how to create impactful letters and other methods of advocacy for the trans community. The aim is to create an environment for people of all levels of experience to come and explore what their strengths are, and to find their voice in advocating for issues that matter to them.
Make it Wright is a ‘for youth by youth’ organization that aims to create a queer positive community for youth in Grey Bruce. They emphasize the importance of social support and inclusion as a factor for health and wellness, and this drives them to create more inclusive spaces in their community.
Youth Elevating Youth is a collective intended to create safe(r) spaces where youth voices are valued and where their artistic freedom is welcomed. YEY was founded by a group of young adults to create inclusive local artistic opportunities, cultivate mentorship, and amplify youth perspectives in the community.
source: media release, Youth Elevating Youth Collective
