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| Ellen Picard and her son Gabe |
Read the full story here.
Ellen Picard's gay son was bullied viciously throughout elementary and secondary schools. She began a five year fight to change the culture of schools in the her local school district. Her work resulted in sweeping changes in schools across the province of Ontario.
Ellen and Gabe live in a remote blue-collar town in northern Ontario, better known for mining, forestry and its high rates of violent crime. It is the last place that anyone would expect would become a provincial leader for LGBT advocacy.
After much work at the school and Board level, nothing changed for LGBT students her town. Ellen filed complaints with the Ontario Human Rights Commission against the Board in 2004 and again in 2007, and won.
As a result of her work for LGBT students, the school district in her town leads the province in supporting the rights of LGBT students and staff.
Some initiatives in her town's public school system include:
- High school teachers participate in anti-homophobia workshops
- There are lesbian, gay, bi and trans resources at each school
- Every high school has a very active Gay Straight Alliance
- Every high school flies the rainbow Pride flag half a several times per year, often for a week at a time.
- Human rights are discussed at staff meetings
- All schools have dedicated anti-homophobia trainers.
Ellen was recently awarded a Humanitarian Award by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) for her advocacy work for LGBT students.
Note: these changes only apply to schools in the public system. Half of the schools are part of the Catholic School Board where, of course, nothing is done to support LGBT student. Hypocrites!!
What a wonderful woman, and mom. Thank goodness for people like her.
ReplyDeleteA truly heart-warming story.
ReplyDeleteHere is a quote you might like:
ReplyDelete"Until my dying day I will look back with pride that I found the courage to come face to face in battle against the spectre which for time immemorial has been injecting poison into me and into men of my nature. Many have been driven to suicide because all their happiness in life was tainted. Indeed, I am proud that I found the courage to deal the initial blow to the hydra of public contempt."
I have been following your journey with great joy
John in Portland, Oregon
Cubby and Raybear: Thank you for your kind comments! Yes, this one woman, a crusader, changed how LGBT students and staff were treated in public schools all across Ontario.
ReplyDeleteWonderful quote, John, and thanks for your kind comment! Yes, this whole process does take a great deal of courage but not nearly as much that I had at 19, being treated for a massive recurrence of an aggressive cancer.
WOW! bless her for taking a stand!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you shared this story. It is wonderful for the mom to stick up for her son. BUT what I find even better is she continued even after her son was out of school and "it didn't matter anymore" THAT is true conviction of principles.
ReplyDeleteKevin