Home/erase/Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)

erase discrimination embrace diversity

sogi information

Information

Everyone has a sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). It's an inclusive term that applies to everyone, whether they identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, heterosexual or cisgender (identifying with the same gender that one was assigned at birth).

It's important for schools to be inclusive and safe spaces for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Being SOGI-inclusive means:

  • Speaking about SOGI in a way that makes every student feel like they belong
  • Not limiting a person's potential based on their biological sex and how they understand or express their gender
  • Welcoming everyone without discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity

B.C. schools and school districts have found the following methods are helping reduce discrimination and risky behaviours among all students:

Expand All | Collapse All
 

Including SOGI in school codes of conduct and anti-bullying policies

This improves the school climate for LGBTQ and heterosexual students by reducing discrimination and harassment.

 

Teaching about valuing diversity and respecting differences

There is no "SOGI curriculum." However, throughout K-12 curriculum and school activities, students and teachers explore the topic of human rights and:

  • What it means to value diversity and respect differences
  • How to respond to discrimination

Teachers may include discussions around the B.C. Human Rights Code, sexual orientation and gender identity.

SOGI 1 2 3 is a resource that supports educators in addressing these topics in the provincial curriculum. It helps schools create safe, caring and inclusive learning environments for all students regardless of their race, culture, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. Educators are not required to use this resource.

 

take action

Take action

If you or a friend is experiencing discrimination or harassment related to sexual orientation or gender identity

Get involved in supporting each other

Help build a safe and supportive environment by joining or creating a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) at your school. These clubs can provide a safe place for students to meet, support each other and talk about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

If you're a parent who has questions

SOGI-inclusive education means having conversations about diversity and learning the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect. Find out more about why this topic is important, check out what your child will be learning at school, and see how you can support this education at home.sogi resources

Resources

Use lesson plans, online learning modules, templates and tools designed to help teach concepts related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

  • SOGI 1 2 3
    SOGI 1 2 3 learning resources have been formally evaluated by the BC Educational Resource Acquisition Consortium (ERAC) as age-appropriate, and aligned with the provincial curriculum and evidence-based educational approaches

Find out what SOGI-inclusive education looks like in B.C. schools.

Learn about gender identity and how to support healthy gender development