ABOUT GALE
Who are we?
We are a group of lesbian, gay and bisexual educators and supportive colleagues.
We are teachers, counsellors, child care workers, special education assistants, and youth workers in the school system.
We are also university professors, pre-school teachers, student teachers, retired educators, school administrators and school board administrators.
We work in public and private schools from pre-school to post-secondary.
Statement of Purpose
The primary focus of GALE BC is to advocate for change in the educational system which will result in a positive environment for lesbians, gays and bisexuals in education, whether they are students, parents, teachers, or administrators.
GALE BC also offers support to members through regular meetings, social events and monthly newsletter.
There is a pressing need for lesbians, gays and bisexuals in education to be able to support one another in the face of homophobia and intolerance within the educational system and society in general.
GALE BC is Committed to:
(glbt - gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered)
• Having information on glbt people included in the curriculum, pre-school through post-secondary• Ensuring that resources accurately portray the achievements and contributions of glbt people
• Providing positive glbt role models for all youth
• Bringing issues and concerns of glbt youth to the attention of educators and the general public
• Ensure that teacher training includes information on glbt issues
• Ensure that schools provide a safe and inclusive environment for all
• Provide information on the legal rights to glbt educators
• Increasing awareness of discrimination and harassment on the basis of sexual orientation
• Supporting HIV/AIDS awareness and education in schools
• Stopping homophobic slurs, violence and intolerance towards glbt people in educational settings
To Meet Our Goals of Fostering Change Within the School System,GALE BC Recommends the Following Objectives:
1. Professional Development training for all staff on glbt issues
2. Programs, workshops and presentations on homophobia and heterosexism
3. Specific training for counsellors on gltb issues
4. Gltb resources in classrooms and libraries
5. Effective non-harassment and anti-discrimination policies
6. Recognition and integration of glbt issues throughout the curriculum
7. Clubs that deal with issues of equity and diversity
8. Gltb staff and/or supportive staff members to act as resource people on glbt issues