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“REPRESENTATION MATTERS. OVER THE LAST MANY YEARS, I’VE BEEN AN LGBT2Q POSITIVE SPACE REPRESENTATIVE IN THREE DIFFERENT TDSB ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS AND HAVE ADVISED GAY/QUEER STRAIGHT ALLIANCES IN TWO OF THEM. IN THIS ROLE, I’M OFTEN SOUGHT OUT BY QUEER PARENTS OR PARENTS OF QUEER CHILDREN. THESE ENCOUNTERS CAN BE QUITE EMOTIONAL WHEN PARENTS SEE THEIR FAMILIES REPRESENTED IN LITERATURE I SHARE IN THE LIBRARY, THE CLASSROOM OR THE GSA.”


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imilarly, L’s advice is to “share [two-spirit] teachings with [Peyton], and to guide her while she learns which path is hers to walk.” Thus, being two- spirit – or queer or trans – is not a problem to be solved or a


condition that requires explanation. It is a path available to the child. This environment of supportive family


and community aligns with best practice for care of gender non-conforming children. The American Psychiatric Association’s removal of Gender Identity Disorder as a diagnosis in 2013, in favour of Gender Dysphoria, has opened up affi rming models of care to support children as they explore gender identity and expression. This contrasts sharply with past models that discouraged gender non-conforming behav- iours. When children feel supported – not only clinically, but at home and school – healthier outcomes are expected. Essentially, the child leads the way. Caring adults and professionals provide guidance and support. Looking ahead to August of 2019, Flamin-


go Rampant will be releasing The Great Space Adventure by Ryka Aoki, illustrated by Cai L. Steele, “about a non-binary kid who takes a splendid space adventure and returns home to discuss their discoveries (including that Nep- tune smells like farts!).” Aoki, an author and English professor at Santa Monica College, jumped at the opportunity when asked by Bear Bergman if she would like to write a chil- dren’s book for the 2019 season of Flamingo Rampant titles. Aoki explains her interest in writing about


the solar system for a children’s book about a non-binary kid: “I think it would be really nice to have a book that was a lot gentler and treat- ed space as something homey. A lot of times kids live in a very heterocentric world, very many times a Euro-centric world. We live in an Earth-centric solar system. We portray dif- ferent planets in relation to Earth. We might think about all the planets being different, and


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by speaking up for people who need someone to be on their side. A 2


is for Ally, which me and mama try to be every day


is for Bike. On Pride Day, I get to ride all the way


down the middle of the street! 3


ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 11


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