As educators and staff in the post-secondary education system, we know creating a safe environment where every person’s human and civil rights are respected is crucial to a productive learning environment. We also know that this work does not end at the classroom door, and I am so proud to stand with our member faculty and staff in solidarity with the LGBTQ2*+ community.

Across BC, Pride parades and events mark a meaningful time to celebrate progress being made within our communities, especially the significant advances that have been made in the past year:

• July 25, 2016: In BC, Bill 27 was passed in to law, adding gender identity and expression protection to the Human Rights Code.
• June 19, 2017: Bill C-16 received Royal Assent and became federal law, adding protection of gender identity and expression to the Canadian Human Rights Code and the Criminal Code.

This is also a time to reflect on the work that is still to be done to achieve an entirely free, just, safe, and inclusive society. At home and abroad, many people are under threat of persecution and worse due to their gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation.

FPSE encourages all members to show support for LGBTQ2*+ equity by taking part in Pride celebrations in your communities. Pride festivals are an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments, and to keep working for a society where everybody is free to express who they are and free to love who they want.

George Davison