Faculty association presents LGBT Equity in Education Workshop

As part of its commitment to promoting social justice and democratic citizenship, the York University Faculty Association’s Community Projects Committee, in collaboration its Queer Caucus, is sponsoring a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender/Transsexual (LGBT) Equity in Education workshop.

This free workshop takes place Tuesday, Oct. 26 from 9:30am to 2:30pm in Room 626, York Research Tower on the Keele campus. (The room and building are wheelchair accessible.)

The workshop will focus on the educational system as a site of struggle for LGBT equity. It will seek to increase awareness about school climates and the experiences of LGBT populations, with speakers including activists, high-school and university educators, and students. The event is open to everyone.

Two interactive panels will feature researchers, educators, students and activists. Lunch will be provided and will include a roundtable discussion.

The workshop and lunch are free; but pre-registration is required due to space limitations. To register, send an e-mail  to the association at yufa@yorku.ca by Tuesday, Oct.19. Include your name, affiliation/occupation (student or teacher), and contact information. You will receive a confirmation e-mail and directions to the workshop.

The two interactive panels will be:

  • Panel 1 –  LGBT Equity in Secondary Education: The Toronto District School Board Experience
    Panellists: Shane Camastro, LGBT student activist and a graduate of the Triangle Program; Tim McCaskell, a researcher, writer, and activist; and Alvin McIntyre, a teacher at William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute in Toronto.

  • Panel 2 –  LGBT Equity in Postsecondary Education
    Panellists: York Professor Sheila Cavanagh of the Sexuality Studies Program in the School of Women’s Studies, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies; Ryerson sociology Professor Doreen Fumia; and York student Casey Oraa, a fourth-year sexuality studies student and LGBT student activist.

For more information on the workshop or about the YUFA Community Projects Committee, contact  York sociology Professor Lorna Erwin at lerwin@yorku.ca.