2SLGBTQIA+
Inclusion

Learners have both the right to a learning environment that is safe from discrimination and the need to learn about equity, diversity and inclusion in Canada. Sexual orientation and gender identity and expression are prohibited grounds for discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Act. LINC classes in Canada reflect the diverse world around us, including diversity in gender and sexuality. Intentionally teaching about gender and sexuality in Canada, and including diverse representations of gender and sexuality in teaching materials, helps create safer learning environments and more inclusive communities. 


Equity, diversity and inclusion are expected and required in workplaces, schools and community spaces. Learners need to understand what constitutes homophobia and transphobia, and how to use inclusive language when communicating in English.

There will be learners in your classes who are 2SLGBTQIA+. Be aware that these learners may face or have faced discrimination or hatred in other countries and or in Canada. They may or may not feel comfortable talking about their sexuality or gender expression. No-one should feel pressured to disclose their identity, explain their lived experiences, or defend their communities through classroom pedagogies or tasks. However, including a variety of  sexual identities and gender expressions in Canada will help to create safer spaces for these learners than ignoring them altogether.

In addition to including a wide range of authentic representations of 2SLGBTQIA+ people and diverse families, be prepared with explanations about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including historical events, key terminology, and inclusive language modeling and practice opportunities. While learners from some cultures may have been exposed to mostly negative conditioning, usualising (to make usual, everyday, ubiquitous) 2SLGBTQIA+ stories and creating empathy (for example, via connections to other marginalised identities) will go far in quelling homophobic and transphobic outbursts and hopefully attitudes.