SOGI opponents use scare tactics
Dear editor: SOGI123 is not a curriculum; it is a resource to assist school districts and educators to build inclusive environments for students and staff of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
This is critically important to our family because our 13-year-old son is transgender, and that means he is at a much higher risk for bullying and violence.
There is a beautiful quote by Adrian Rich that goes something like this: “When a teacher describes the world and you are not in it, there is a moment of psychic disequilibrium, as if you looked in the mirror and saw nothing.”
Our son likes to tell a story about a book report assignment. Students could select any book from a group of maybe a dozen. The book Tor selected was called “George” and it had a transgender protagonist. It was the first time our son had ever seen himself reflected in literature in any way.
It was more than recognition — seeing someone like him — it was validation of his very existence. This simple act told Tor: “I am not weird, there’s someone like me in a book! And my teacher thinks it’s a good book.”
That is the immeasurable value of being represented in school materials.
As for other objections about children being told things above their level, this is simply scare tactics.
None of the resources are mandated. Teachers can and will continue to pick the books and other resources that make sense for their classroom. We will always trust teachers to make informed, compassionate and careful choices — choices that will be in the best interest of all the kids in their care. And, we trust that all parents will continue to be free to teach about their religion and other personal beliefs at home.
Finally, some parents are concerned that they will not be given information about their youth joining GSA’s or told if their child has “come out” at school, etc. There are many youth who cannot come out to family for their own safety. We know several, right here in Kelowna, who were kicked out of their homes for being gay or transgender.
Schools are a safe zone, sometimes the only safe zone they have. Young people deserve our protection and sometimes that means protecting them from harmful adults. If a youth does not feel comfortable or safe telling family members about joining a GSA or about their gender identity or sexuality, it is probably for very good reasons and, in some cases, if the information is shared it will compromise their safety.
Some people don’t realize that they can and should vote for school trustees, even if they are young, don’t have children yet, or their children have grown up.
Several local groups have come together to survey all candidates on issues especially important to the LGBTQ2+ community. These groups include The Bridge Youth and Family, Kelowna Pride, and others. The survey can be found at https://brought4.wixsite.com/website Carrie and Wayne Broughton
TransParent Okanagan