2SLGBTQ+ inclusion is one of the three braided strands in the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) 2023-2026 Equity Action Plan.
With our belief in the worth and dignity of every person, we demonstrate living out the Gospel values of love, inclusion, compassion, and care for all. As affirmed by Scripture, human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, each with inimitable characteristics deserving of dignity. As such, the TCDSB endeavours to create welcoming and safe learning environments, with appropriate resources, which support and recognize the uniqueness of individuals and the broader Catholic community.
Our 2SLGBTQ+ Community Strategy includes the following areas of focus:
Anti-oppression professional learning for staff: We will continue to provide professional learning regarding anti-oppression (AO), discrimination and bias, as well as how to support 2SLGBTQ+ staff and students.
Representation in schools and curriculum: Throughout K-12, we will continue to ensure that the curriculum meaningfully includes 2SLGBTQ+ experiences.
Safety, mental health and wellbeing of students who identify as 2SLGBTQ+: We will provide a safe and mentally healthy school climate that supports students.
The following are five core reasons for 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion at the Toronto Catholic District School Board:
These resources provide support to parents/families of all children at the TCDSB, especially those who are 2SLGBTQIA+. Creating an environment of inclusion and acceptance benefits all children.
Love Builds the Bundle - Ontario Native Women’s Association. See the journal and the accompanying video for parents, caregivers, and families.
School Mental Health Ontario: Caring Adults - Supporting 2S/LGBTQIA+ Students
School Mental Health Ontario for Parents/Caregivers: Supporting 2SLBGTQIA+ Youth
The Family Acceptance Project
We highlight the work of Dr. Caitlyn M. Ryan out of San Francisco State University as it provides a great starting point for families of LGBTQ children in a way that is sensitive to the context of families, cultures, and faith communities.
The Family Acceptance Project - Evidence-based resources to prevent health risks and promote well-being for LGBTQ children and youth.
Helping Diverse Families Learn to Support Their LGBTQ Children (Overview)
Family Behaviors that Increase Your LGBTQ Child’s Health and Well-Being (Also available in other languages)
Faith Communities and the Well-Being of LGBT Youth (Pamphlet)
How do we ensure that TCDSB schools are safe for all students, especially those who are 2SLGBTQ+?
Where can I get more support?
Position Statement from the Canadian Paediatric Society (2023) - An Affirming Approach to Caring for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth
Often, belonging as a 2SLGBTQIA+ person is held in tension with religious identity. There are many Catholic and non-Catholic faith communities that provide understanding and affirming spaces, support, and advocacy for the inclusion of Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual persons plus many others who are under the 2SLGBTQIA+ umbrella. Below are some communities and resources that centre the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Starting point: “Religious literacy” includes “understanding the internal diversity within religious, spiritual, and secular worldviews and groups”. Learn more at Centre for Civic Religious Literacy in Canada.
Outreach.Faith and its Guide to the Bible and Homosexuality
Related Read: Institute for Catholic Education A Catholic Perspective: The Scriptures - Our Family’s Book - for understanding the Catholic approach to scriptural interpretation
Egale: 10 Faith-Based Reasons to Support 2SLGBTQI-Communities
Meet Fr. Bryan Massingale: A Black, Gay, Catholic Priest Fighting for an Inclusive Church
Pope Leo has emphasized listening not as a methodological tool or strategy, but as a fundamental posture. Formation begins not with ready-made answers, but with encounter, dialogue, and attentiveness to the realities people bring with them. He offers us an invitation to accompany with greater care and humility. The letter resonates strongly with Pope Francis’ pastoral emphasis on putting people before ideas, grounding ministry in mercy, and attending to reality rather than abstraction. An educational approach shaped by listening resists reducing learners to outcomes, metrics, or problems in need of resolution
Institute for Catholic Education Monograph: Drawing New Maps of Hope - A Reflection for Catholic Education in Ontario
Listening as Unlearning
Here are some resources to help grow understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples. Often, fears and threats are grounded in misinformation so listening with curiousity is a helpful starting point.
Expectations for all: The Provincial Code of Conduct outlines behaviours expected from everyone in education, including parents/caregivers. See also TCDSB’s policy on Bullying Awareness and Prevention.
Resolutions Process at the TCDSB: Student and Family Support Office
While understanding or defining sex and gender as separate and distinct terms is not consistent with the teaching of the Catholic Church, and does not reflect a Catholic understanding of the human person and the nature of sexuality, it is a perspective that is recognized in law (OHRC), and should be acknowledged.
Institute for Catholic Education (ICE) Monograph Fall 2019
"Members of the community are encouraged to develop personal maturity by overcoming fear of or discomfort with persons who identify as transgender."
ICE Monograph Fall 2019
Charity must always be shown in discussions where different viewpoints may arise. To be truly Catholic is to respect diversity.
Page 25, ICEON.CA, Grade 9/10
Engaging Students
Affinity groups aim to bring people with shared identities together to explore education, advocacy, and solidarity. They can help create communities where individuals feel affirmed, connected, supported and comfortable showing up in their most authentic way.
