Common Language
Everyone will be well-informed of and equipped with appropriate and respectful language.
Definitions
Each of which is shaped by society and culture.
-
Gender Identity
The sense of being. This can be described by the individual as male, female, both, neither or other. The sex that one is assigned at birth may be different than the identity that one has. This can change over time and can be flexible from day to day.
-
Gender Expresion
The physical way that a person expresses their gender. This can be seen in how they dress, speak and present themselves. People may shape display their gender expression to match their gender identity.
-
Sex Assigned at Birth
The classification of people as male, female, intersex or another sex based on anatomy, chromosomes and hormones.
-
Sexual Orientation
Who a person is physically attracted to.
-
Romantic/Emotional Orientation
Who a person is emotionally attracted to.
SOGI Allyship
Allyship is a form of social awareness and responsibility that is active. An ally is a person who does or does not identify as LGBTQ+ and who speaks out and stands up for LGBTQ+ people or groups that are targeted or discriminated against (GLSEN, 2016). Allyship is important work; it lets LGBTQ+ youth know that they are not alone. Anyone can do this work, but it is important to remember to listen to, consult with, and represent LGBTQ+ people in the work you do as an ally.
The first step to allyship is to check your own beliefs.
First Steps for Using Inclusive Language
From SOGI 123 – British Columbia
Use Gender-Free Phrasing
Talk in a way that does not specify a gender, sex, or sexual orientation unless it is pertinent to the comment.
e.g., “Good morning everyone.” instead of “Good morning boys and girls.”
e.g., “Students should turn in their papers.” instead of “Each student should turn in his/her paper.”
Use Language for all Families
Refer to a student’s “family” or “parents” instead of “mom and dad” to include students who may have single, 2SLGBTQ+ parents, or alternate guardians.
e.g., “Please tell your parents or adults.” instead of “Please tell your mom and dad.”
Expand Your Vocabulary
SOGI-related vocabulary is always evolving. Do not hesitate to ask questions about and get clarity on respectful language for talking about sexual orientation and gender identity.
Learn more at
bc.sogieducation.org
SOGI Inclusive Schools
All Surrey Schools are SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) inclusive and all students should feel free from discrimination. Reach out if you or someone else is being discriminated against.
-
Common Language
-
Safety/Anti-Harassment
Safety/Anti-Harassment
Proactive and reactive measures that include sexual orientation and gender identity will impact all students.
-
Self-Identification
Self-Identification
Students will have the right to self-identification, which includes the name by which they wish to be addressed and the preferred pronouns that correspond to their gender identity.
-
Confidentiality
Confidentiality
Students will have the right to the confidentiality of their official and/or preferred sex, gender, and name.
-
Dress Guidelines
Dress Guidelines
Students may express their gender identity or gender expression through what they wear to school. A dress code should be as all-inclusive as possible, which may include removing pronouns.
-
Gender Integrated and Inclusive Activities
Gender Integrated and Inclusive Activities
Integrated and inclusive activities will enable students to join teams and groups that they feel correspond with their gender identity.
-
Educator Training
Educator Training
All staff will be provided with knowledge and tools to develop a broad understanding of SOGI and the impact on students.
-
Inclusive Learning
Inclusive Learning
Classroom materials and activities will contain positive images and accurate information about sexual and/or gender diversity.
-
Facilities
Facilities
Individuals may choose to use washrooms and change rooms that match their gender identity, including non-gendered single-stall washrooms and change rooms.
-
Inclusive Extra-Curricular Activities
Inclusive Extra-Curricular Activities
Students will be included and accommodated for in all extra-curricular activities regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, including support to set up a Gender-Sexuality Alliance/Gay-Straight Alliance or similar club.
Want to know more?
-
Kids Help Phone
e-mental health service available 24/7 across Canada
kidshelpphone.ca -
Foundry BC
Foundry offers young people ages 12-24 health and wellness resources, services, and support - online and through integrative service centres in communities across BC.
foundrybc.ca -
TransCare BC Health Navigator
Finding care provides who understands trans health issues is important. This kind of provider might be a primary care provider, a counsellor or another health care professional.
phsa.ca