Since the beginning of Covid 19 last Spring, we have worked to meet the shifting needs of 2SLGBTQ+ students, who face unique and often disproportionate barriers to equitable learning spaces. The pandemic has amplified many of these challenges- from social isolation to gender safety at school, systemic anti-Blackness and learning access needs, and so our programs have adjusted accordingly. Working closely alongside Sue Rice, OCDSB Equity Instructional Coach, and Kaedan Seburn, Trans and Gender Diverse Student Support Coordinator, we are coordinating a variety of events through the Rainbow Bridges Program aimed at supporting allied educators and students alike.

The Rainbow Bridges program – now fully digital – remains focused on its for-youth-by-youth model, wherein secondary students work alongside various GSA’s and equity clubs (gay-straight alliance or gender and sexuality alliance) to create short films aimed at welcoming incoming grade 9 students who will be entering high school (Check out this short video reel about the program). These short student films address a variety of topics related to diverse 2SLGBTQ+ life experiences, with the underlying message being one of support, from older students to younger students.