The Government of Yukon is committed to ensuring that students and staff in all Yukon schools feel safe, respected and included.
As part of this commitment, the Government of Yukon has updated the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Policy. These changes align with the actions outlined in the Yukon’s LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan and mark a milestone in promoting inclusivity in Yukon schools.
The strengthened policy focuses on:
- LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan commitments to improve the SOGI policy: Specifically, these changes address commitments in the action plan including using correct pronouns for students, updating terminology for transgender inclusivity and clarifying points of contact and responsibilities at the department and school level.
- Modern language: The policy has been refined with more inclusive, up-to-date terminology.
- New requirements: The policy now encompasses mandates from the recent amendments to the Education Act. It ensures principals are proactive in championing initiatives promoting equity and non-discrimination throughout the academic year.
The Government of Yukon is committed to further evaluating and modernizing the SOGI Policy. This fall, the Department of Education continues to work on the remainder of its LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan commitments. During this phase, key stakeholders will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on how the Policy can be improved to foster sexual orientation and gender identity inclusion more effectively.
In its continued effort to foster inclusivity, the Department of Education has also partnered with the charitable organization ARC Foundation to implement the SOGI 1 2 3 program, a set of tools and resources to help create safer and more inclusive schools for all students.
This collaboration aims to enhance the development and implementation of the SOGI policy and SOGI inclusive education in Yukon schools. SOGI 1 2 3 is renowned for equipping educators with valuable resources, lesson plans and e-learning modules, facilitating the establishment of schools that are welcoming to students of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
All Yukoners have the right to be treated with respect. We are working hard to create welcoming, inclusive and affirming learning environments for all students and staff. Inclusivity at school leads to a sense of belonging, improved mental health, better educational outcomes and a higher likelihood of life success. With the new school year approaching, focusing on health and wellbeing remains central to our goal of fostering a lifelong learning journey for all Yukoners – one that strengthens the entire territory.
Minister of Education and Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate Jeanie McLean
The Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Policy was first introduced in 2012.
Future initiatives by the Government of Yukon will include promoting gender identity inclusivity in sports; offering 2SLGBTQIA+ cultural competency training for educational staff; amplifying anti-bullying measures, especially for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and endorsing extracurricular activities that celebrate queer relationships and diverse gender identities.
SOGI 1 2 3 is used as a resource in all 60 school districts in British Columbia and in six school divisions in Alberta.
A community survey is planned for late August through September to gather feedback from 2SLGBTQIA+ Yukoners, allies and supporters on the implementation of the Government of Yukon’s LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion Action Plan, which was released in 2021. Conducting a targeted survey every two years to make sure the Government of Yukon is on the right track was a commitment made in the Action Plan. It will be available at yukon.ca/engagements.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Michael Edwards
Communications, Education
867-332-1364
michael.edwards@yukon.ca