Justice Vs. Exclusion: Fighting for LGBTQ2S+ Representation and Inclusivity in the Classroom

In this episode of Justice Vs., we take a look into the classroom and speak with organizer Becky McFarlane to describe the fight for LGBTQ2S+ inclusion and why queer visibility is so critical for youth.  Later, we speak with Kyle McGiverin, a teacher who uses his position as an educator to  normalize queer experiences and produce a queer-inclusive school environment. 

For resources mentioned in the podcast, please see below:
The 519

The 519 is a Toronto-based non-profit organization committed to the health, happiness and full participation of the LGBTQ2S communities. They have a multitude of in-person and online resources, such as counselling, COVID-19 Resources, Legal Clinics and activities. - https://www.the519.org/

Wyvern, a Novel by Kyle McGiverin 

Guest Kyle wrote the award winning novel Wyvern, available at Glad Day Bookshop and Amazon.ca. For more info, visit his website: themisterkyle.wordpress.com and the book's website: www.wyvernnovel.com. 

Youthline 

Youthline offers confidential and non-judgemental peer support through our telephone, text and chat services. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM. - https://www.youthline.ca/. Support them at: https://www.youthline.ca/get-support/ways-we-support/

For ways to get involved and join the fight for LGBTQ2S+ inclusion, please see below: 

Find and Support A Local Organization! 

If you would like to find an organization local to you, here’s a catalogue of organizations across Canada supporting LGBTQ2S+ Communities. You will also see an option to donate to any one you’d like to support: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/explore/charities/category/social-services/sub-category/lesbian-gay-bi-trans-queer/ 

Create Safe Spaces for Your Students!:

If you’re an educator or sports coach who would like to help foster a safe learning environment for students, OK2BME has compiled an excellent list of teaching resources available for free! - https://ok2bme.ca/resources/parents-educators/resources-for-schools-and-classrooms/ 

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Original Music by Ren Bangert.
Audio Editing by Ren Bangert and Paul Berry.

A big thanks to the Justice Vs. Volunteer Team:
Writing and Research Team: Natalie Sequeira, Kate Tutu, Jeremy Zhang, Luke Ryan, Imran Dhanani, Rachael Dyal, Rachael. Bridge, Leo Ghiran, Stella Racca, Sae Furukawa, managed by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry and Eilish Waller
Audio Team: Paul Berry, Ren Bangert, managed by Farid Pesteh
Marketing Team: Arlet Vazquez, Irene Lee, Hope Arpa Chow, managed by Soaad Qahhār Hossain