'Prevailing Pride': Reflecting on the 2023 BC SOGI Educator Summit

The BC SOGI Educator Summit is an annual event that brings together SOGI-inclusive educators across the province to collaborate, exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn about inclusive teaching strategies. The 2023 virtual BC SOGI Summit brought 430 educators together for a full day of learning, including representation from BC public, First Nations, and independent schools.

The theme of the 2023 BC SOGI Summit was ‘Prevailing Pride’, reflecting SOGI 123’s dedication to fostering safer and more inclusive learning environments in K-12 schools, while also honouring the resiliency of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the face of adversity and resistance. Attendees were inspired and uplifted with powerful keynote addresses, panel discussions, and workshops on how educators can further their SOGI-inclusion work to create communities of belonging for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Highlights from the Summit included engaging sessions on incorporating Indigenous SOGI resources in the classroom and exploring multi-interfaith perspectives on SOGI-inclusive education. One of the most impactful aspects of the Summit was the inclusion of student panel discussions, where K-12 2SLGBTQ+ youth shared their voices and experiences directly with educators. These sessions provided a unique platform for student agency, allowing educators to gain insights from those most affected by homophobia and transphobia in schools. These panels proved to be particularly meaningful, deepening educators’ understanding of the importance of creating safe and affirming spaces for all students.

Thank you to our skilled and thoughtful presenters, who allowed us to think about the many facets of belonging for students, and where SOGI fits into the landscape of intersectionality. And thank you to all the Summit attendees, who participated in such a meaningful way.