What is SOGI? Getting the Terminology Right

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Originally published in TEACH Magazine, 50th Anniversary of the Decriminalization of Homosexuality in Canada Special Issue, 2019

By Carolyn Gruske

Gender fluid. Two-spirit. Trans. Cisgender. These are some of the terms students can use to describe themselves and where they are on the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity. Although the language may be new or unfamiliar, experts say that teachers need to be open to using and hearing it so they can acknowledge their students’ identities.

“There’s no room for discrimination in our schools and teachers know that,” says Chanelle Tye who works for the LGBTQ+ education program SOGI 1 2 3 as a British Columbia education lead. “I think an important thing for educators to remember is that sitting in front of you are students who are different from you, and who need to feel that they belong. And we know that when kids feel belonging and connectedness at school, they succeed not only at school, but outside of school. So I think regardless of what your personal beliefs or understandings are, as an educator you’re mandated to create safe spaces for students, and I don’t think anybody is against that.”

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Carolyn Gruske is an award-winning reporter and magazine editor. She often writes about the intersection of business, technology, and the law, but she also has a deep interest in educational topics.

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Carolyn Gruske
Carolyn Gruske
Carolyn Gruske is an award-winning reporter and magazine editor. She often writes about the intersection of business, technology, and the law, but she also has a deep interest in educational topics.

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