SOGI is an acronym representing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Everyone has a sexual orientation and a gender identity.

Sexual orientation describes how a person is emotionally, physically or sexually attracted to other people. Here are some definitions from the HealthlinkBC website:

Heterosexual (straight) - describes a person who is attracted only or almost only to the "other" gender. 
Homosexual (gay, lesbian, queer) - describes a person attracted only or almost only to those of the same gender.
Bisexual - describes a person attracted to both men and women, though not necessarily equally or at the same time. 
Pansexual (or omnisexual) - describes a person attracted to those of any gender. 
Asexual - describes someone not sexually attracted to any gender. This is different from deciding not to have sex with anyone (abstinence or celibacy).

Gender Identity is a person's internal and psychological sense of self as a girl/woman, boy/man, both, in between or neither. Some terms that people may use to define their gender identity include transgender and cisgender (gender matching one assigned at birth).

Two spirit is another term that is used within some Indigenous communities that can refer to sexual, gender, and/or spiritual identity.

LGBTQ2 is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Two-Spirit, Queer, and additional identities. You may see other variations of this acronym as well. See the image below for a helpful visual of the spectrum of gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation.

As in the population as a whole, LGBTQ2 identifying people will have a range of experiences with mental health, but the evidence suggests that LGBTQ2 people will disproportionately encounter mental health challenges more often. Here to Help BC highlights this difference in experience:

"Research shows that LGBT people have higher rates of mental health challenges than the general population. LGBT people often struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma and self-acceptance as a result of facing ongoing discrimination over their lifetimes. LGBT youth are about three to four times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers."

Evidence suggests that prejudice, discrimination, abuse, bullying, and the resulting internalized negative messages can all play a role in those increased rates of mental health challenges. This underscores the importance of all members of a school community working to create safe and inclusive spaces that respect all sexual orientations and gender identities, and that starts with getting informed.

For a long time, society has ingrained the binary choice of he/him or she/her in our collective vocabulary. Using only these two pronoun choices excludes a segment of the population that may not identify with either of those, which can contribute to some of those previously mentioned negative internalized feelings. A good rule of thumb is to use gender-inclusive language (as in the image above), and avoid making assumptions about an individual's pronoun. When in doubt, ask. We can also make it easier for others to feel supported in communicating their own pronoun by communicating ours when we introduce ourselves to new people. This short video discusses pronoun use and their importance.

The above images from Royal Oak Middle Schoool (left) and Children's Development Centre (Right) are just a couple of examples of the ways that schools are creating supportive and inclusive environments for students in Saanich. The rainbow, with the colours of the LGBT pride flag, indicates that the school is a safe and inclusive space for all.

SOGI 123 Has so many useful resources beyond lesson plans. This is a video that speaks to the power of small inclusive gestures, and some tangible ideas about ways we can all take these steps in our professional practice.

Saanich Recreation offers two weekly opportunities for LGBTQ2 youth to connect and participate in activities in a safe space. 

The 2SLGBTQ+ Social for youth takes place at the Upside Youth Centre every Monday after school, from 3:30-5:30. "A programmed after school of fun for 2SLGBTQ+ Social Youth! Safe space to be yourself and connect with a youth leader and peers. Play games, make crafts, spend time outside and connect with our staff."

The LGBTQ2IA+ Youth Night takes place at the Teen Centre at Gordon Head Recreation Centre every Wednesday from 7:00-9:00PM. "This safe space program is for self-identified youth who are queer, trans, two-spirit and their allies. Youth mentors facilitate a fun hang-out space for youth to meet new folks, socialize and just be themselves."

Please follow the links to register or connect with Saanich Recreation for more info.

This site compiles both local and online mental health and wellness resources for families and educators, and is updated monthly with new resources.