Proud Rainbow Voices: An Ontario network for LGBTTQ educators (Equity and Women's Services)

During International Day Against Homophobia, I chose to read the picture book Molly’s Family to my kindergarten class to help them understand diversity in  families.  All  my students were  engaged  and  interested.  I  was  both excited and intrigued by their comments.

The next  day,  some parents approached me  with  concerns that  their  children were too young to learn about sex education and same-sex  families. Other teachers questioned my reasoning in sharing this information and wondered  where it  fit into the curriculum.  As I walked  down the hallways of my school, I overheard  students saying, “You’re so gay” and “That test was so gay” and observed teachers not taking action to address homophobic comments.

As  an educator and parent who is  “out,” I have experienced  and witnessed homophobia  both during my college years and as a teacher. In  my school now I experience a great deal of support, but that has not always been the case. I know what it feels like to hide who I am and question the wisdom of coming out to my school community, friends, and family. I wonder about my personal  safety and fear losing my job. I often wonder  whether to “stay in the closet” or shout out proudly,  “I am who I am.” I have often wished that I could share my concerns and triumphs with others who would understand and support me.

I am thankful for the many leadership opportunities I have had with ETFO. I was part of  a writing team for the curriculum  document  Imagine a World that is  Free from Fear. During this wonderful  collaboration  I had the  honour of  meeting and working with colleagues who understood  my concerns. For the last eight years I have led many workshops  for teachers, parents, and administrators  on addressing  homophobia  and transphobia  in schools. In most cases I received positive feedback from participants.

I  also  participated  in   the   inspiring  ETFO course Leaders for  Tomorrow,  which allowed me to gain strength and comfort in who I am. I was constantly  reminded  to continue to  pursue my dream  of making a difference in this world even though I self-identified as a  lesbian.

In May 2010, I led two workshops in one week. After the first, I witnessed a participant who was uncomfortable  hearing about homophobia.  I left this workshop with some frustrations  and wanted to share with colleagues who could  relate to my experiences. At  the  second workshop, the  audience was intrigued  and welcoming; I found myself in  a  positive place with participants who understood what I was sharing. We ended up discussing the  importance of  allies  in  our community  and the need for support and networking.

As  a  result of  these experiences, during an eight-hour  drive  home,  I  planned  out  Proud Rainbow  Voices  (PRV),   the  first  professional network for  educators across Ontario who self- identify  as  lesbian,  gay,  bisexual, transgender, two-spirited, and queer (LGBTTQ).

It is a unique, independent network that allows participants to  share their  knowledge, struggles, and expertise in a safe, positive environment. There are three ways members can participate.

• Members are invited to attend face-to-face networking sessions during which they hear  success stories and realize they are not  alone in addressing  LGBTTQ concerns. There  is time for small- and large-group discussion.
• Members receive two newsletters during the year, created by other members and myself.
• PRV has a safe, members-only chat room, where we continue the discussion about LGBTTQ issues we face in the workplace. Members can post anonymously if they wish. These activities provide participants with strategies, support, and strength to help them have a proud voice in  addressing LGBTTQ  issues in  the workplace.

PRV  started  with  10   personal emails  and currently  includes  200   educators from  across Ontario. During our first  year we held four networking  sessions.  We  invited  the  community organizations Parents and  Friends  of  Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere  (EGALE), and OK2BME  to share their resources and strategies.

PRV is  an independent network, unaffiliated with any institution. I am grateful for everyone who  has  supported me  in  this  new  initiative, particularly the Durham Teacher Local, which has established a Gay/Straight Alliance for ETFO members. With this ongoing support I can continue to share my personal story of overcoming adversity.

I believe that we can make a difference in this world by  challenging and  confronting discrimination and oppression. We need to continue to break down barriers, build awareness,  and dispel myths and misconceptions  about LGBTTQ  issues. As we work together to be positive role models for  LGBTTQ  individuals and their  allies,  we can inspire others to advocate for those who may not have a voice.

Member feedback

“Proud Rainbow  Voices has empowered and supported its members and has made a significant contribution to the creation of a stronger visible presence of LGBTQ educators.  This is having a transformative impact on individual educators,  students, families, communities, educational  institutions, and society at large.”
—  Debbie Samson, Waterloo District Local

“Groups like PRV can help provide  support and guidance in navigating the complexities of being an LGBT  professional  in education. Although I personally have never attended a meeting, I can honestly say that PRV has been instrumental in my own journey this past year; receiving the emails and updates regularly  reminds me that I am not alone.”
—  female elementary teacher, Peel Teacher Local

“As the ‘out’ teacher, I shouldn’t  become the go-to person when a student comes out. All the teachers  should take on that supportive role. Thanks to Proud Rainbow  Voices, we were able to share strategies of  how to handle similar situations.”
—  male teacher, Durham Teacher Local

“Thank you for your incredible  work and commitment to creating safe, equitable, inclusive spaces for all of our  members,  staff, students, and community  members.  What a wonderful first year!”
—  Shelley Whittaker, Greater Essex County Teacher Local

“I am afraid that I will be harassed by parents if I teach about same- sex families. Having an opportunity to  share this with others who understand  is important to me.”
—  educator, Lakehead ESP/PSP Local

“I enjoy hearing the success stories at the Proud Rainbow Voices networking  sessions. It is important to  hear how others have overcome discrimination  and hate.”
—  teacher, Ottawa-Carleton Teacher Local