Please note that this episode mentions self-harm and/or suicide. While we don’t want to cause anxiety or stress, we acknowledge that this may be the experience for some people. If needed, we encourage you to reach out for support to a trusted friend or colleague, another personal resource or your organization’s Employee Assistance Program. Included for your reference is TDSB's resource page for Immediate Support/Help.

Robert Durocher (Métis/French, he/him), centrally assigned to the Urban Indigenous Education Centre of Excellence, partners up with Jordan Applebaum (he/him) to discuss the importance of Gender and Sexuality Alliance’s (GSA’s) in schools to support 2SLGBTQQIA+ students and community members. Affinity groups can work together to lead, centering Indigenous, Black, and racialized student voices. It is a crucial time to focus on joy for Two-spirit, Indigiqueer, trans, 2SLGBTQQIA+ students and communities with intersecting identities. This is why Robert and Jordan are sharing their experiences in this episode and why they support GSA staff advisors through the TDSB GSA Network which reaches students and staff across the system. Initiatives include the annual EnVision Conference, Two-spirit, Indigiqueer Conference, Queer Nature walks, GSA Network Meetings, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Pen Pals for literacy, joy, education, and building community connections.

TDSB GSA Network has a website and helps organize events, such as conferences, field trips for GSA members and Pride events. For more information visit: TDSB GSA Network

OUR GUESTS

• Jordan Applebaum, Toronto District School Board
• Robert Durocher, Toronto District School Board

HOSTS

• Lawrence DeMaeyer – Professional Learning Consultant, Ontario Principals’ Council
• Susie Lee-Fernandes – Director of Professional Learning and Engagement, Ontario Principals’ Council

Episode 18 Transcript PDF