I think we've all been there...you're part of a group, participating in a conversation, when someone says something that makes you cringe. It could be a joke, a word or even an expression. Expressions are particularly tricky because often we have heard them for so long that we don't stop to think …
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Making things better for LGBTQ youth
Every once in a while I'm touched by the commitment and compassion of an organization to make the world a better place and create spaces where people are and feel valued for who they are. TD has been on my list of exemplary companies around LGBTQ issues, and the launch of their new "It Gets Better" …
International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia – tomorrow May 17th!
Tomorrow is the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia. If you're in the Toronto area, and want to get involved, here are a few things to consider: Egale Canada is hosting a FREE breakfast at the Sutton Place Hotel (8:00 - 9:30am). Come and start your day with some food and …
[Continue reading] International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia – tomorrow May 17th!
Balancing Rights
I'm in Newfoundland, working with Egale Canada delivering training to Principals, Vice Principals and Guidance Counselors on creating LGBTQ Safe Spaces (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning) in the province's Junior and Senior High Schools. It's groundbreaking and history …
Thoughts about racism…
I have to weigh in on last week's goal by Joel Ward in Stanley Cup Playoff overtime, and the racism on Twitter that ensued. What I want to talk about was the last line of an article I read in the Metro News - a quote by one of the individuals who tweeted racist comments: "I'm not a racist. Just the …
Improving Human Rights in Canada
What’s it like to not have human rights protection in Canada? Yes, you read correctly. You may be thinking if someone is old enough, and depending on their identities, that they may remember. Think again. If you are transgender* in Canada, you are not protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act …
The Message of Free Bibles in School…plus
Congratulations to the Bluewater District School Board (in Ontario) for reconsidering the handing out of free Gideon Bibles to Grade 5 students. The article is very good and says a lot of what I would write here - so here it is for you to read. The part of the article that stood out for me the …
[Continue reading] The Message of Free Bibles in School…plus
The Questions People Ask
I'm mulling over an experience I had last week. Maybe it's because I'm a workshop facilitator, and a teacher before that. Maybe it's because I was facilitating a workshop when it happened. Maybe it's because the workshop was on creating LGBTQ safe space. Whatever the reason, when one workshop …
Systemic “isms”
Systemic 'isms' are often hard to detect. Sometimes because we have grown up with these policies, laws, and ways of doing things - and so don't critique them (like the fact that until 1990 only Canadian women were able to take time off when their children were born). Sometimes because …
The Lorax
A little departure from the ordinary, but it all ties in, I promise. I went to see the movie The Lorax this past Friday. It's a heartwarming cartoon about the environment - based on the book of the same name by Dr. Seuss. Great story, great message, great animation. Whether or not you have kids …