In support of the VSB Anti-Homophobia and Diversity Mentor Position
April 27, 2016
Packed gymnasium at VSB meeting on proposed sweeping cuts. Photo courtesy of Drew Dennis.
Navigating the school system as an LGBTQ child or teenager can be one of the most challenging times in a person’s life. The strong need to find inclusion combined with the threat of bullying and harassment put LGBTQ youth in a very vulnerable position at school.
This year, the Vancouver School Board faced a motion involving a $24 million reduction for the 2016/17 budget that threatened the continuity of anti-homophobia and diversity mentors—a position that plays a vital role in creating school environments where students feel celebrated, heard, and respected.
QMUNITY Youth Worker Lucas Wilson has been facilitating anti-homophobia and anti-transphobia workshops to students of all-ages for about two years and has heard countless stories from youth about the critical importance of having an ally and advocate at school. This position saves lives.
On Monday, April 25—a few days before a vote was taken—Lucas added his perspective and expertise to the many other student voices who bravely shared their stories and expressed their concerns.
Speech transcript
By: Lucas Wilson
My name is Lucas Wilson and I’m a Youth Worker at QMUNITY, BC’s Queer Resource Centre. I’m here today speaking on behalf of QMUNITY in support of the VSB Anti-Homophobia and Diversity Mentor position. I first want to thank the committee for their dedication to community consultation on the proposed funding cut.
Within my role as a Youth Worker at Qmunity I regularly hear stories from queer and trans youth about the difficulties they face navigating the school system. This includes not only bullying but also issues of meaningful inclusion that requires more than a response to overt harassment. All students have a right to feel included and reflected in their school communities and the Anti-Homophobia and Diversity Mentor has been a vital part of creating school environments where students feel celebrated, heard and respected.
For youth, knowing that there is a VSB recognized adult support available to them is a safety net with irreplaceable importance.
Within my role I have worked in partnership with the Anti-Homophobia and Diversity Mentor to support youth in schools.
When students have brought forward concerns about their treatment and safety at school these concerns have been addressed swiftly and in a queer and trans competent way.
Because of the Anti-Homophobia and Diversity Mentor’s unique position, homophobia and transphobia can be tackled from within the school system by an LGBTQ+ competent person who is also an educator and understands the needs and nuances of staff as well as students.
As we know from results released by the Canadian Trans Youth Health Survey, trans youth generally report low connectedness at school. Trans youth who reported higher connectedness were twice as likely to report good mental health.
The report also recommended that schools needed to be safe and welcoming to trans students before these students make themselves known. Creating safer schools cannot be reactive… the goal is proactivity. Proactivity means providing students with ample, visible, accessible and specialized support.
Help us to continue making schools safer for LGBTQ youth through workshops and leadership: join us for our annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia breakfast fundraiser ➜ Get your tickets here.
The importance of the Anti-Homophobia and Diversity Mentor position also extends to the implementation of the VSB’s ACB- R- 1: Sexual  Orientation and Gender Identities Policy.  The policy set the stage for the creation of safer schools for LGBTQ+ students, however insuring that the policy is implemented and that teachers and admin are supported in understanding and adhering to the policy remain an integral piece of ongoing work to ensure the policy’s efficacy. The Anti-Homophobia and Diversity Mentor’s role and in-house expertise ensures not only succinct communication of the policy but also project management for what continues to be an ongoing process of advocacy and innovation for the safety and inclusion of LGBTQ+ youth in schools.
The Anti-Homophobia and Diversity Mentor position has inspired similar positions in school districts around Metro-Vancouver and the VSB’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities Policy is looked upon as an example of what inclusive schools can look like.
The ramifications of eliminating the Anti-Homophobia and Diversity Mentor position would impact not only the district but also other districts in Metro-Vancouver and BC who look to the VSB for guidance in assessing their own policies around LGBTQ+ inclusion.
I am here today only to contribute to the powerful voices of amazing and resilient queer and trans youth, the very people who are at the centre of this discussion, who have benefited from and continue to benefit from the support that the Anti-Homophobia and Diversity Mentor provides. I urge the VSB to heed these voices and consider reversing the proposal to cut the Anti-Homophobia and Diversity Mentor position. The support this position provides to students, the district and the larger community cannot be overstated.
I sincerely thank you for your attention, care and efforts to ensure the safety and inclusion of all students and I hope that the VSB continues it’s ground-breaking and vital work in this regard.
With respect,
Lucas Wilson — Youth Worker, QMUNITY
The Vancouver School Board voted against a budget Thursday night. The budget was defeated 5-4.
#Qudos to everyone who added their voice in support of this essential position at Vancouver’s schools.
Help us to continue making schools safer for LGBTQ youth through workshops and leadership: join us for our annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia breakfast fundraiser ➜ Get your tickets here.