Lockerby hosts Dare to Stand Out conference

Rainbow District School Board will host its sixth symposium aimed at creating and enhancing school-based supports for students who are lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and questioning (LGTBQ), as well as students with friends and family members in these communities.

The Dare to Stand Out Conference, being presented in partnership with Jer’s Vision, will take place on Friday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Lockerby Composite School. The event will begin with a keynote address by Dr. Carys Massarella, followed by a variety of dynamic and engaging activities and workshops. It will close with a Gay-Straight Alliance High School Dance.

Some workshop topics include the process of coming out, coping with bullies, healthy relationships and consent, how to challenge homophobic language and two-spirited people.

Massarella will deliver an in-depth keynote address about her story as a transgendered person and will discuss how being LGBTQ affects students. She will also discuss the role of Gay Straight Alliances in schools. Massarella is a transgender advocate and physician who has held various positions in the medical industry including chief of emergency medicine and president of the medical staff association at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton. Her presentation will begin at 9:40 a.m.

At 2:15 p.m., Vincent Bolt will deliver a presentation called “Becoming Fabulous Me”, where he will discuss his experiences with discrimination as a transgender male. The final keynote address will take place at 3 p.m., where Lukayo Estrella, an employee of Jer’s Vision, will examine the role of parents/guardians as a support system for their child/youth who is gender-independent. Teachers and parents/guardians are welcome to attend all keynote presentations.

School leaders, athletic council members, school councils, and Gay Straight Alliances from Rainbow secondary schools will participate in the conference along with grade 7 and 8 student representatives.

“The purpose of the conference is to enable students to address issues surrounding homophobia and transphobia in their schools and communities and to brainstorm ways to create safer schools,” said Superintendent Lesleigh Dye. “Once again, participants will walk away with tools and resources they can use for the benefit of all students in their schools.”

Dye praised the Lockerby Composite School Gay-Straight Alliance for organizing the Dare to Stand Out Conference under the leadership of teacher Sarah Benton and vice-principal Kristina Rivard Gobbo.

The Dare to Stand Out Conference will be a culminating activity for Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week from Nov. 16-22.