Educating Others

Heterosexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression come from fear and ignorance. People are afraid of what they don’t know. Educating people about GLBTT* issues is one way of combating oppression, but it can also be an exhausting job that never seems to end.

There are organizations whose entire mission it is to combat heterosexism, so don’t worry if you feel like this task is too much for you alone. Changing something as engrained in our culture as heterosexism will take a lot of time and cooperation from many people.

We’ve included a list of resources here that may give you a start if you’re wondering where to direct people who are ignorant or curious about GLBTT* issues. Just remember that each person is responsible for their own thoughts, actions, and opinions; it is not your job to prove anything or to change anyone.

General

• Gender Education and Advocacy
• 10 Things Men Can Do To Prevent Gender Violence

Parents/Guardians/Family

• GLBTQ Issues Info for Parents
• COLAGE
• Toolkit for GLBTTQ parents/guardians: Creating GLBTTQ-friendly spaces for children 0-6 (2006)
• Families Like Mine: Children of gay parents tell it like it is

Teachers and School Staff

• HelpingOut: Addressing Homophobia in Manitoba Schools
• Questions & Answers: Sexual orientation in schools
• Questions & Answers: Gender identity in schools
• Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition
• Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education (2008)
• Toolkit for educators and service providers working with GLBTTQ parents and their children: Creating GLBTTQ-friendly spaces for children 0-6 (2006)

Students

• HelpingOut: Addressing Homophobia in Manitoba Schools

First Nations Communities

• We are part of a tradition: A guide on two-spirited people for First Nations communities (1998)

Employers

• Out and About: Towards a better understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons in the workplace (2004)

Service Providers

See For Service Providers

Health Care Providers

See For Service Providers