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Students from the LGBTQ2S+ community can connect via virtual BC Gay-Straight or Gender and Sexuality Alliance meet-ups during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Virtual connection opportunities for LGBTQ2S+ students

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 11:31 PDT, Mon April 27, 2020

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

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Students from the LGBTQ2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and two-spirit) community now have more virtual opportunities to connect with each other during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BC’s Gay-Straight or Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) is holding meet-ups virtually to allow students to join 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 Education Minister Rob Fleming. “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 BC 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 Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy. “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.”

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.

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.

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