The Director's G.S.A. Awards are designed to recognize and honour three outstanding trans-positive Gay-Straight Alliance Groups (G.S.A.) in the Toronto District School Board. Each year, three $1000 awards go to student-led groups that have demonstrated a committed effort in helping create a school climate that is safer and more positive for students and staff of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
This year's winners are:
Bendale BTI
Earl Beatty JS PS
Franke Oke SS
Earl Beatty will receive $1000 for our GSA!
Earl Beatty's GSA ran a fabulous poster campaign where students, teachers, and the community were encouraged to stand up for someone or some group they supported or stand against something that they believed was negative.
Posters adorned the first floor and were hugely impactful - really showing that Earl Beatty students care for their friends, their families, their neighbours, and people around the world. Together the Earl Beatty community is making their school and community a healthier, happier, safer enviroment for everyone.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Official message from TDSB's Equity Program Advisor to the three winning schools:
Be it through meetings, healthy relationship building, school climate surveys, workshops for staff, peer education, school-wide campaigns, film-showings, debates, panels, assemblies, conferences, theatre, student videos, article writing, posters, brochures, websites, visual art, political activism, rallies, letter-writing, community partnerships, other school GSA partnerships, advocacy, and providing personal support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, two-spirited, transgender, transsexual, intersex, queer, and questioning (LGBTTTIQ) youth . . . your GSA's have been places of support and dialogue; have pioneered programs that have increased respect for LGBTTTIQ persons, that challenge gender-stereotypes, homophobia and transphobia.
We were impressed with all the work you have been doing and highlights of this work will be featured at an award presentation at an upcoming Board meeting (we will provide you with those details as soon as they are available).