The OCDSB is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students, staff and families of all gender identities and expressions feel physically and emotionally safe, welcomed and valued. We are working together to build our Culture of Caring, which advances equity and a sense of belonging to promote a safe and caring community.
Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate diversity while learning about the contributions, achievements, histories of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and communities.
This month, the OCDSB delayed its Pride Month celebrations to stand in solidarity with the Indigenous community. Flags were lowered on all OCDSB schools and buildings for 215 hours in respect for each child who did not return home. Please read this solidarity statement on behalf of the OCDSB Rainbow Educators/QTEN.
This year, under the guidance of OCDSB’s Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Division, a new OCDSB Pride flag is being flown outside all schools and administrative buildings during the month of June, a tradition that will continue each year for Pride Month.
The New OCDSB Pride Flag
#OCDSBCelebratesPride
As part of the Pride Month celebrations, we are running a #OCDSBCelebratesPride campaign where we are asking OCDSB staff and students the importance of Pride Month for them and what it means to see the Pride Flag at OCDSB schools. Please watch the video below to see some of the comments:
To see more comments, visit the OCDSB Celebrates Pride webpage
You can also see these on OCDSB social media channels by searching for #OCDSBCelebratesPride.
Staff and Students who want to share their comments, can send them via this Google Form.
Pride Month Events:
- On June 1, we held a webinar for parents and guardians on Gender Identity & Supports Available at the OCDSB. You can watch the recording here.
- We have a student-exclusive Pride Hangout on June 22. To register and to learn more, visit: ocdsb.ca/PrideHangout
For more information and resources, visit the following links:
- OCDSB Gender Identity & Gender Expression Guide: This guide on gender identity and gender expression exists to help support and provide accommodations to students.
- 2SLGBTQ+ Supports: This is a collection of supportive resources for students, families, and staff members.
- Stories of Identity Collection: Through the sharing of stories about diverse lived experiences, we can foster conversations about topics including identity, migration, diversity, inclusion, bullying prevention, and building resilience.
- LGBT YouthLine: This is a confidential, non-judgemental and informed peer support line. Support is available through telephone, text and chat services.
- The 519 - COVID-19 Emotional Self-Care: These are resources to help support mental wellness and care during COVID-19. Available in multiple languages.
- Gender-Specific and Gender-Neutral Pronouns: This is a helpful guide for understanding and respecting the pronouns of those around you.
- Capital Pride: In August 2021, Capital Pride will be hosting a virtual celebration. This year’s theme is, “We Still Demand! On Exige Encore!”