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Celebrating Pride Month (June)

Grand Erie celebrates diversity during the month of June by flying the Pride flag. Our schools are committed to the elimination of all forms of discrimination, including homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, and to affirming the identities of all students.  2SLGBTQ+ students have a right to be affirmed in classrooms and in schools. 

Grand Erie’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan lays out a priority of Belonging. "Together, we build a culture of belonging to support an equitable, inclusive and responsive environment for each learner." 

Our goal connected to this priority is to "create multiple experiences where are learners feel a sense of belonging at school and are engaged in their learning."

Displaying the Pride flag in our schools is one way we are building a culture of belonging. By displaying the Pride flag, we are not erasing the identities of some students by affirming the identities of others. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my child’s school flying the Pride flag?

The month of June is recognized across Canada as Pride month. In Grand Erie we have many students, staff, parents, caregivers and community members who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. Flying the Pride flag is one way to demonstrate that our schools are safe, inclusive, welcoming environments. It also aligns with our strategic priority of building a culture of belonging to support an equitable, inclusive and responsive environment for each learner.” 
 

What does 2SLGBTQ+ mean?

2SLGBTQ+ is an acronym that means:

  • 2Spirit
  • Lesbian
  • Gay
  • Bisexual
  • Transgender
  • Queer or Questioning
  • + is inclusive of people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities

Other commonly used collective terms are:

  • Queer Community
  • Rainbow Community

See our Inclusive Language Guide (LINK).
 

Why is the Pride flag flying on the same flagpole as the Canadian flag?

Not every school has multiple flagpoles. The Pride flag can be flown with the Canadian flag on a single flagpole following Flagpole Etiquette.

­Flagpole Etiquette

Etiquette for the National Flag of Canada states that while in Canada, the National Flag of Canada should be flown on its own pole to maintain respect. This rule applies to Federal Government buildings; and it is a guide for everyone else.

Multiple flags can be flown on flagpoles with the Canadian flag with these stipulations:

  1. The Canadian flag must always be at the top.
  2. If the Ontario flag is also being flown, it must hold the second position.
  3. The Canadian flag must be larger than, or of equal size to, all other flags on the flagpole.

 

What if the flying of the Pride flag is against my personal beliefs and values?

We acknowledge there is a diversity of personal beliefs and values across our district. We are required to follow the Ontario Human Rights Code that protects marginalized groups from discrimination and harassment. The flying of the Pride flag demonstrates our commitment that discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. All individuals are seen, accepted and affirmed in our schools.
 

Are supports available to learn more about speaking with my child about this topic?

There are many community resources both locally and nationally with supports and information.