About
Who are we?
We are a group of educators and advocates, regardless of sexual orientation/expression, who value the importance of a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment for all.
We are teachers, counsellors, support staff, child care workers, special education assistants, and community & youth workers in the school system.
We are also parents, college/university professors, pre-service teachers, retired educators, school administrators and school board trustees.
Since our inception formerly as GALE BC in 1990, we have been a small group of committed educators who have been responsible for the initiative, development, implementation, and advocacy of numerous resources, workshops, policies and actions in British Columbia, across Canada and even internationally. As many of our founding and core members are now retired or moved on to other endeavours, we continue to exist as a facilitator of information for educators, students, and parents. Over the years, our members have provided input to numerous support and resource organizations that now have more resources and capacity to support our community. Please visit the following organizations for further support and information:
Our Mission
Pride Education Network advocates for an inclusive, respectful environment for all students, staff and families, regardless of their actual or perceived sexual orientation and/or gender identity, within all B.C. educational institutions, through the development of concrete supports, policies, resources and actions.
Statement of Purpose
The primary focus of Pride Education Network is to advocate--on behalf of students, parents, teachers, staff, and administrators--for systemic change in the educational system which will result in a positive environment in education, regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation/expression.
Pride Education Network is Committed to:
(LGBTQ+: lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*/two-spirited, queer/questioning)
• Having information on LGBTQ+ people included in the curriculum, pre-school through post-secondary
• Ensuring that resources accurately portray the achievements and contributions of LGBTQ+ people
• Providing positive LGBTQ+ role models for all youth
• Bringing issues and concerns of LGBTQ+ youth to the attention of educators and the general public
• Ensure that teacher training includes information on LGBTQ+ issues
• Ensure that schools provide a safe and inclusive environment for all
• Provide information on the legal rights to LGBTQ+ educators
• Increasing awareness of discrimination and harassment on the basis of sexual orientation
• Supporting HIV/AIDS awareness and education in schools
• Stopping homophobic slurs, violence and intolerance towards LGBTQ+ people in educational settings
To Meet Our Goals of Fostering Change Within the School System,
Pride Education Network Recommends the Following Objectives:
1. Professional Development training for all staff on LGBTQ+ issues
2. Programs, workshops and presentations on homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism
3. Specific training for counsellors on LGBTQ+ issues
4. LGBTQ+ resources in classrooms and libraries
5. Effective non-harassment and anti-discrimination policies
6. Recognition and integration of LGBTQ+ issues throughout the curriculum
7. Clubs that deal with issues of equity and diversity
8. LGBTQ+ staff and/or supportive staff members to act as resource people on LGBTQ+ issues