Free to be me: Rainbow schools hold diversity conference
A two-day symposium is underway at Cambrian College that aims to create and enhance support for students who are part of the LGTBQ2S community, as well as allies.
The Rainbow District School Board has held the event since 2009, dubbed 'Embrace Diversity: Free to Be Me.'
“The biggest thing for us is inclusion,” said Patrick Hopkin, Free to Be Me conference chair.
"Feeling comfortable in who you are -- who you are as a person, who you are as an ally and how to support students and support one another."
Day 1 on Wednesday kicked off with a presentation from Bradie Granger, chair of Cambrian’s schools of justice and general studies.
“I wish they had these when I was growing up," Granger said.
"I feel very fortunate and humbled and honoured to be asked to be a speaker here and to be able to share my story with folks that are allies or part of the LGBTQ community."
Granger had some priorities to share with students: living authentically, empowering them to be themselves and supporting others to do the same.
"You can’t change the world without being out there and we can all play a part if we are living our truth,” said Granger.
The second keynote address came from Martin Boyce, who was a teenager in New York in the 1960s and participated in the Stonewall Riots.
The riots were a series of spontaneous and violent demonstrations that are considered the most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBT rights in the United States.
“Stonewall was grassroots," said Boyce.
"We are going to have to face new battles, but we are in a better position to face these battles … We have to fight to make it more perfect or better."
Wednesday's event had 170 participants from Grades 9-12. On Thursday, almost 200 Grade 7 and 8 students will watch Granger's presentation and will participate in breakout sessions to discuss topics such as discovery, moving forward to high school, growth mindset, laws and rights, culture and dealing directly with language.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at home
Here's a summary of tips from the U.S. National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.
Here are some gardening questions, answers
When it comes to gardening, a lot of questions come up, including the best way to keep pets away from plants, maintaining your lawn and keeping the dandelions at bay.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.