Schools raise flags in support of gender diversity
To mark and recognize, Gender Diversity Awareness Week, flags were raised across the province to show solidarity and support. Moose Jaw showed its support by signing a proclamation declaring March 25-31 Gender Diversity Awareness Week and raising flags at Peacock and Central Collegiates.
Joe Wickenhauser, executive director of Moose Jaw Pride said this was an important symbol of support from the Moose Jaw community. “This is an important symbol of visibility for people to know that there are trans and gender diverse people in our communities and schools. This is the reason that it is important for our schools to have policies that protect students who do identify that way and that we have spaces that are safe and welcoming for trans and gender diverse students. It is really nice for the students who are trans and gender diverse to come and see the staff, teachers and board members who support them and are behind them in creating that safe space.”
He added that there are flags being raised across the province in support of Gender Diversity Awareness Week. “We’ve raised the flags at both Peacock and Central. There was a flag raising on Monday, March 26 at the Provincial Legislature and one at Sask. Polytechnic. There are flag raisings happening across the province to show support for gender diversity. I think that it’s great to see the support from the community. We encourage people to support our events in learning about trans and gender diversity in the community. There are a lot of misunderstandings and we want to invite people to know more.” Peacock Principal Dustin Swanson said the school supports inclusivity and awareness of trans and gender diversity. “The reality is that we’re having conversations and we’re doing things like raising flags and creating a momentum in having wonderful things happening in our schools because of the work of the leadership of our school division, and the heart and spirit of the students in our school. It is wonderful that we are doing this; celebrating and accepting diversity.”