By Nigel Maxwell

School officials say LGBTQ awareness needed in elementary schools

Sep 7, 2018 | 12:00 PM

Efforts by the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division to educate students about sexual and gender diversity appear to be expanding.

paNOW has learned that several local elementary schools now have a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer club (LGBTQ). The clubs are geared toward students in Grades 7 and 8. Superintendent of Schools Cory Trann said that as per a Ministry of Education initiative, all schools within the division have a staff representative who can provide support to students who may have questions.

“It’s a support, it’s educational, it’s inclusive, it’s ensuring all our students are feeling supported in the school, no matter what their questions are,” he said.

Trann would not comment on which elementary schools have created the clubs, but said he had heard nothing but positive feedback.

“It’s within our mandate from the Ministry of Education, and it suits the needs of our students,” he said.

Vise grip driver

Vise grips not a steering wheel: RCMP

14h ago

Patient supports

'Misuse' of free parking passes attributed to cancellation: SHA

16h ago

Golf season approaching

Local golf courses target opening days following late season snowfall

Apr 20, 2024

Troy Parenteau is the secretary with Prince Albert Pride, and a local teacher. He said having LGBTQ clubs within elementary schools is a good idea.

“We’re finding out that kids dealing with gender diversity issues are realizing their gender issues at a younger age, and if the supports are not in place, then we are really failing that child,” Parenteau said.

paNOW has been told the clubs themselves are open to all students, and not just those who may identify as being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer. Parenteau said the Gay-Straight Alliance has been a big part of Prince Albert since the 1990’s.

“These clubs are not so much about sex,” he added. “They are about identity and I think you can speak about identity at any level or age.”

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell