Students from the LGBTQ2S+ community, who may be feeling vulnerable and disconnected from their peers and schools, now have more virtual opportunities to connect with each other during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the first time, B.C.'s Gay-Straight or Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) meet-ups will be held virtually rather than in person, where students can join their friends online or over the phone.

“We know that LGBTQ2S+ kids report higher rates of feeling isolated and for some students, their school community was the only place where they could be their authentic selves,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “That’s why now, more than ever, it’s so important for LGBTQ2S+ children and youth to stay connected and to know that they have safe, confidential outlets to virtually socialize with each other.”

A Population Health Journal study of B.C. students revealed that when a GSA group has been in a school for three years or more, there are lower rates of suicidal thoughts in both gay and straight kids. Other research shows that these clubs have a positive effect on LGBTQ2S+ students’ overall health, well-being and self-esteem, since GSAs promote feelings of belonging, acceptance and community. 

“I have heard heartbreaking stories about the challenges that many people in the LGBTQ2S+ community face, and for many, those feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression may be amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “These virtual meet-ups are absolutely vital so LGBTQ2S+ students can connect with their peers when they need it most. It’s these important connections that inspire us, lift us up and will help us all get through this uncertain time.”

“We know that many LGBTQ2S+ youth experience discrimination in their own homes. These youth are at particular risk of mental-health problems and suicide, and they need targeted supports," said Mitzi Dean, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity. “Helping students by ensuring virtual connections and resources are available will go a long way to getting through this time of physical isolation, which is not forever, but for many, may seem like it is.”

GSAs are student run and student led, but they require an educator to sponsor them. Since sponsors do not always have member students in their classes, and many kids go by preferred names, it has been a challenge to get the message out that GSAs can now meet virtually.

“We want to encourage students to reach out to their teacher or a trusted person at their school to find out ways they can join virtual GSA meet-ups, or even create a new GSA,” said Brad Beattie, executive director, ARC Foundation, a lead partner in the creation of SOGI 123. “With the COVID-19 situation, we are working to re-focus our efforts and increase our outreach to ensure educators know about all the resources available for LGBTQ2S+ students, including mental health and other community-based support.”

Educators from 40 school districts, 14 independent schools and two First Nations recently took part in an ARC Foundation webinar to learn ways to protect students’ privacy and safety while holding virtual GSA meet-ups. Virtual GSAs can provide a comfortable, supportive forum for students to share education information, or discuss LGBTQ2S+ issues, movies or books, and activities like playing networked video games or creating stuck-at-home music playlists.

To provide additional support for youth who are experiencing anxiety and social isolation, a free, virtual WE Well-being program was launched on April 17, 2020, for grades K-12 in English and French. It places a special emphasis on social-emotional learning and resiliency. Also available to parents and caregivers is the new EASE (Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators) at Home program with tips and strategies to create calming routines, help kids talk about difficult emotions and manage their anxiety.

These at-home materials complement the recent Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions announcement of $5 million to expand existing mental-health programs and launch new services to support British Columbians during the pandemic. Foundry centres are moving services online and over the phone, including unscheduled counselling, peer support services and physical health care, so young people and families in all corners of the province can get the help they need when they need it.

Quote:

Kir Tancon, GSA teacher sponsor in SD71, Comox Valley –

“As a GSA teacher sponsor, I've had supportive parents reach out to me who are concerned for their kids during this time. I wish all parents were like this, as these connections are even more important for students who don’t have the support at home. The work that ARC is doing, and the facilitation that is happening with GSA leaders right now, is so important as we work together to support our students.”

Learn More:

More information about hosting GSAs, including how students can control their display names on virtual platforms, and links to provincial resources for LGBTQ2S+ children and youth, are available online: www.sogieducation.org/all-educators

For more information on the B.C. SOGI Educator Network and SOGI 123, visit: www.sogieducation.org

Resources for LGBTQ2S+ students:

• Erase (Expect Respect and a Safe Education): ERASE.gov.bc.ca
• Provincial crises lines and online support for youth: Youthinbc.com
• National call, text, or online support for youth: +1 800 668-6868 or visit: Kidshelpphone.ca
• Online trans-led organization that connects trans people to resources, including a call-in line: Translifeline.org

A growing list of peer support groups throughout B.C. for LGBTQ2S+ students and their families: www.phsa.ca/transcarebc/care-support/access-care/srvc-directory

More students supported by SOGI-inclusive education (May 17, 2019, news release): news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019EDUC0040-000975

Learn more about the WE Well-being program: www.we.org/en-CA/get-doing/activities-and-resources/wellbeing/

Accurate, timely information about schools, programs and educational services, including regularly updated frequently asked questions in multiple languages, is available online: www.gov.bc.ca/SafeSchools  

Good News in Education celebrates teachers, staff, students, parents and communities who are going above on beyond. Read their stories: https://www.gov.bc.ca/safeschools/goodnews

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: www.bccdc.ca
Or follow @CDCofBC on Twitter.

For the provincial health officer's orders, notices and guidance, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/phoguidance

For non-health related information, including financial, child care and education supports, travel, transportation and essential service information, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid-19 
Or call 1 888 COVID19 (1 888 268-4319) between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time), seven days a week.

A backgrounder follows.