Pronouns and Pride: Supporting Young Students' Identities
Episode Overview
New Brunswick's policy change on using preferred names and pronouns in classrooms Discussion on sexual and gender diversity, pronouns, and support for the 2SLGBTQ plus community Unique programs offered by Rainbow Niagara, including transgender healthcare and counseling Importance of creating safe spaces and connections for individuals of all ages Challenges and complexities of coming out as transgender
I think a big part of the issue is that many people don't understand sexual and gender diversity and pronouns.
Imagine being a young student and not feeling seen or respected for who you truly are. In this episode of 'Life Unscripted', Janice Arnoldi dives into the hot-button issue of protecting the rights of young students to use their preferred pronouns at school. With the recent policy changes in New Brunswick, requiring parental consent for children under 16 to use their chosen names or pronouns, there's a lot to unpack.
Joining Janice are Stephanie Vail and Kai Kristoff from Quest Community Health Centre's Rainbow Niagara program. They share their firsthand experiences and insights into the importance of respecting gender diversity and the profound impact it has on young lives. Stephanie and Kai discuss the support services provided by Rainbow Niagara, including specialized transgender healthcare and outreach programs aimed at creating safer, more inclusive environments in schools and communities.
This episode sheds light on the real-world implications of these policies and offers a compassionate look at how we can better support our 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply someone who cares about equality and acceptance, this conversation is both eye-opening and heartwarming.