SOGI stands for sexual orientation and gender identity. Learning about diversity is an important part of creating a world that is caring and kind. Some parents and caregivers may hesitate to talk about SOGI because they don’t know how or wonder if a child may be too young to understand. Fortunately, there are great resources to help you talk to your children at their development level.
SOGI 1 2 3 for parents: https://www.sogieducation.org/parents/
Help for responding to questions about:
Who can marry who? (In 2005, Canadian Parliament legalized same-sex marriage) https://welcomingschools.org/resources/who-can-marry-whom-inclusive-conversations-about-marriage
Family diversity https://welcomingschools.org/resources/yes-they-are-a-family
What does LGBTQ+ mean?https://welcomingschools.org/resources/definitions-lgbtq-elementary-school
Gender stereotypes and gender identity and expression https://welcomingschools.org/resources/be-prepared-for-questions-and-put-downs-about-gender
What is Two-Spirit (2S)?
http://www.phsa.ca/transcarebc/gender-basics-education/terms-concepts/two-spirit
Two Spirits, One Voice video (for youth and parents): https://egale.ca/awareness/two-spirits-one-voice/
Regalia: Pride in Two Spirits video (grade 6 and up)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfjHgG7IPCI
Two-Spirit Children and Teen books
https://indigenouslis.ca/two-spirit-and-indigiqueer-childrens-and-ya-book-lists/
Support for Parents/Caregivers with 2SLGBTQ+ children
QMUNITY: https://qmunity.ca/get-support/youth/parents/
PFLAG Vancouver: http://www.pflagvancouver.com/
Family Acceptance Project: https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/
Support for 2SLGBTQ+ Children
TransCare BC http://www.phsa.ca/transcarebc/child-youth
UNYA Two-Spirt Collection (15-30) https://unya.bc.ca/programs/2-spirit-collective/
QMUNITY Youth Services
https://qmunity.ca/get-support/youth/
School Support
SOGI Policy: https://burnabyschools.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Policy-5.45-Sexual-Orientation-and-Gender-Identity.pdf
Backgroud on policy: https://burnabyschools.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SOGI_Background_and_FAQ-1.pdf
District SOGI Support Teacher:
Bryan Gidinski: Bryan.Gidinski@burnabyschools.ca