2SLGBTQIA+ students, community need answers, action: NDP

HALIFAX – With school starting next week, New Democrat 2SLGBTQIA+ Affairs Critic Lisa Lachance is calling on the Houston government to release guidelines on supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ students.

The government also needs to provide an update on the long-awaited provincial 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan. New documents released through a Freedom of Information request show the department has been sitting on the results of consultation for that plan for 8 months.

“Students, parents, and staff want to know that trans and gender-diverse students will be safe and supported in school this year,” said Lachance. “2SLGBTQIA+ students report some of the worst experiences in the Student Success Survey. Families shouldn’t be starting another school year in the dark about their child’s safety.”

Last spring, the Houston government walked back a commitment to update guidelines to support trans and gender-diverse students. They committed to creating a provincial 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan over two years ago.

“The time for action is now, no more empty words of reassurance. This government can’t continue to back away from their commitments to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community,” Lachance said. “Students, parents, and the community have done their part by working with the government and pushing for improvements. Now we need the Houston government to act and provide clear leadership.”

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