It Gets Better CanadaIt Gets Better CanadaIt Gets Better Canada (IGBC) is proud to announce the launch of its new campaign, Creating Affirming Spaces in Classrooms, made possible through funding by NYX Professional Makeup Canada.
This initiative aims to support teachers and educators in creating welcoming, safe, and affirming spaces for Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) students.
As students continue to settle into this school year, IGBC will be delivering 200 Pride kits to classrooms across Canada, including affirming posters designed by 2SLGBTQ+ artists, postcards about 2SLGBTQ+ history in Canada, educational materials, Pride flags, and more.
Launching this fall, this campaign seeks to counter the high levels of bullying still faced by 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Canada. According to the Canadian Health Survey of Children and Youth, 77% of sexually and gender diverse youth had been the target of bullying in the previous year, a higher proportion than that of cisgender youth who are attracted exclusively to a different gender (69%).
By providing these free kits to schools across Canada, IGBC aims to tackle anti-2SLGBTQ+ bullying, foster inclusive environments in classrooms, celebrate queer history and communities in schools, and create space for positive conversation about 2SLGBTQ+ issues.
“Creating a supportive and affirming atmosphere is vital for all students, especially those in the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” said Omid Razavi (he/him), Executive Director at It Gets Better Canada. “The rise in anti-2SLGBTQ+ policies across the country is causing real harm to queer youth, who are already more likely to face bullying and other challenges at school. By equipping educators with the right tools, we can help ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Teachers are now welcome to apply for a Pride classroom kit on IGBC’s website, free of charge. IGBC is grateful to have the support of NYX Professional Makeup Canada in creating these essential resources for teachers.
It Gets Better Canada is a registered charity in Canada that envisions a world where all 2SLGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals. Its mission is to uplift, empower, and connect 2SLGBTQ+ youth across Canada.
Please visit www.itgetsbettercanada.org for more information, and join the conversation on all social platforms @itgetsbettercanada (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads).
For media inquiries, please contact: Deepa Lalwani (she/her)
Senior Communications and Fundraising Manager
