B.C. election outcome could decide fate of SOGI 123 school resource

The future of an optional educational resource on sexual orientation and gender identity used in B.C. schools for a decade could be decided by the outcome of Saturday's provincial election. The SOGI 123 resource helps teachers integrate discussions about diversity into classrooms. Some political parties vow to keep or expand it, while others pledge to repeal it and replace it with different programs. Supporters say the resource has led to less bullying and better mental health for students.

BC Teachers Federation president Carole Gordon said teachers have used SOGI to explain how sexual and gender diversity is normal and healthy. "It builds on and supports a broad understanding of the world which is diverse," said Gordon. TJ Salway, an associate professor at Simon Fraser University, said research shows clear benefits. "We've seen incredible benefits in terms of reduction of bullying and discrimination and improvements in mental health and safety not only for 2SLGBTQ+ students but also for the majority of students who are themselves cisgender," said Salway.

The resource has faced criticism from some parents and politicians who call it harmful or cite religious objections. The parties' positions on SOGI 123 are sharply divided. The BC NDP, which has been in government, says it will not remove access to the resource. Leader David Eby said the party has worked to combat misinformation. "Any parent that has a concern about an inappropriate book or age inappropriate material that's in the school can bring that concern directly to the school board," said Eby. The NDP's platform does not directly mention SOGI, and the party cut funding earlier this year for the non-profit that developed it.

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The BC Green Party has been the most vocal supporter. In a statement, the party wrote that "We commit to continue supporting and expanding the SOGI 123 initiative to create inclusive school environments that support 2SLGBTQIA+ students and addresses the topics of gender identity and sexual orientation." CentreBC, led by Elenore Sturko, also says it will not repeal SOGI 123. The party described it as "a set of optional anti-bullying resources and policy templates for school districts, not curriculum, and not sex education."

In contrast, the Conservative Party of B.C., led by Lorne Doerkson, has pledged to get rid of SOGI 123 if it forms government. Doerkson said in September that the resource has become divisive. "I think that it has become an absolute lightning rod for division in our province and it has become a challenge. And I think that many are confused about what SOGI has become in our school," said Doerkson. The party says it would introduce a new anti-bullying program with a focus on academic foundations.

OneBC, led by Dallas Brodie, says it will repeal SOGI and create a Gender Ideology Task Force to "end gender identity instruction and secret social transition in K-12 schools." The possibility of repeal worries advocates like Fae Johnstone with Queer Momentum. "When they say they're going to remove SOGI 123, what they're cuing is that they're going to gut programs that make schools safe for gay kids, for trans kids, and kids who are different," said Johnstone. Johnstone said the program's core purpose is to help teachers create inclusive spaces. British Columbians are voting Saturday to elect the province's next government.

With files from CityNews