On Monday, June 5, 2023, Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) hosted the Rainbow Conference at the BWDSB Education Centre with students attending from several secondary schools. Anticipated as an annual event run by students in Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) clubs, who provide safe spaces in our schools for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, “True Colours” was the theme chosen.
The day began with a land acknowledgement of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and recognition of all the GSA members, staff, and guests who made the event possible. Keynote guest speaker was Kit Boulter, a trans nonbinary performer and advocate for theater and social justice. Kit shared their story of growing up locally, their first name change at the age of 11, and relocating to Toronto in their 20s where they were able to further connect with their true self. Kit provided the analogy of how we are all turtles on an island, and that we can choose to either hide in our shells and be ‘safe’ or emerge and live our lives. This was followed up with an uplifting song and dance performance of “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, as well as an opportunity for the students to ask questions.
While staff attended a professional learning session later in the morning, the students had a chance to participate in two workshops of their choosing. “All representation is NOT good representation”, coordinated by the John Diefenbaker Senior School GSA, addressed the oversexualization of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the media. “Beyond the Binary: Navigating Neopronouns”, made available through the GSA at Peninsula Shores District School, explored pronoun etiquette in our changing society with an opportunity for students to make a pin with their pronouns. “From Scream Queens to Stonewall to Toronto Pride” was offered by the Grey Highlands Secondary School GSA and focused on the history and roots of the 2SLGBTQIA+ movement in North America. The GSA at Owen Sound District Secondary School hosted the discussion, “2-Spirited People in Indigenous Culture: One Who Changes”, which shared teachings and history of the roles of 2-spirited individuals.