Positive and Safe Space
Limestone District School Board has launched a positive space initiative as part of Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive
Education Strategy. This campaign is one way we make our buildings safe,
inclusive, and welcoming places that are respectful of gender and sexual
diversity.
A positive and safe space poster has been developed for all LDSB schools as
a visible representation of the initiative. The poster states the following: “This
is a place where human rights are respected, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgendered students, staff, families and friends are welcomed & supported.”
The Ontario Human Rights Code clearly states, “It is against the law to
discriminate against someone or to harass them because of their sexual
orientation or gender identity.” Language and education that is age and
stage appropriate will be embedded in curriculum and used when explaining
terms from the positive and space poster. All LDSB staff and students are
expected to show respect for all members of their school community.
Here are some facts:

LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) students from schools with anti-homophobia school policies report
significantly fewer incidents of sexual orientation related physical and verbal harassment.

LGBT youth are four times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual peers and nine times more likely
when they have been rejected by their heterosexual families.

Unlike other minority groups who receive support from family and friends, LGBT individuals are frequently
rejected and shamed by their loved ones and those closest to them.

Results from a national survey of Canadian high school students (Egale Canada, May 2011) on the experiences
of sexual and gender minority status students include:
o 70 percent of all participating students reported hearing expressions such as “that’s so gay” in school;
o Almost half of students reported hearing other homophobic comments;
o 64 percent of LGBT students and 61 percent of students with LGBT parents report feeling unsafe at
school;
o One in 12 heterosexual youth report being verbally harassed about their perceived sexual orientation;
o 58 percent of non-LGBT students find homophobic comments upsetting;
o 37 percent of youth with LGBT parents report being verbally harassed (27 percent report physical
harassment) about the sexual orientation of their parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this Positive Space initiative so important?
LDSB believes in safe and caring school communities. It is important that all students, including our youngest
students, learn to respect differences. Students and staff need to see themselves reflected in the language used in
classrooms and in the school. For example, parent permission forms could change from saying "mother" and "father"
to "parent 1" and "parent 2" as some of our students have two fathers or two mothers in their family unit or may only
have one parent or guardian. This change also accommodates the needs of many families where children are raised
by individuals other than their mother or father. Positive and Safe Spaces is only one component of the Equity and
Inclusive Education strategy. Since 2009, LDSB has been working on a number of inclusive education initiatives
including religious accommodation, aboriginal education, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status, to promote a
safe and caring school climate for all.
Where will the posters be displayed in my child’s school?
The Posters may be displayed in classrooms or other areas of the school.
Why are we targeting LGBT people and not representing other groups on the poster?
Why doesn’t it say this is a safe and positive environment for all?
The wording in the Positive Space poster does include all members of the school community - family, friends, staff
and allies. Positive and Safe Spaces is one of many initiatives the school board is implementing to promote a safe
and caring school climate for all. This includes providing ongoing training and resources in character development,
bullying prevention, aboriginal rights, religious accommodation, and accessibility rights.
What is Positive Space, and why doesn’t it mention straight/heterosexual people?
Some negative experiences are unique to sexual orientation and gender minority groups. It is important to provide a
school climate that breaks through any fear and stigma so that students feel safe enough to ask for help. The rainbow
colours and the term “Positive and Safe Space” on the poster are recognized around the world as LGBT symbols.
The wording in the Positive and Safe Space poster includes all members of the school community – family, friends,
staff, and allies.
I think my child is too young to be learning about LGBT.
Schools educate about homophobia and inclusive environments. Children as young as four or five are heard on the
playground making statements such as "that's so gay," not realizing that this is a hurtful thing to say. Children arrive
in our schools with parents or family members who are LGBT, and should find themselves reflected in our schools
from the onset of their educational careers. Language and education that is age and stage appropriate will be used
when explaining terms from the Positive and Safe Space poster and will be embedded in curriculum.
I am worried that this Positive Space initiative is going to make my child want or
choose to be LGBT.
LGBT is not a lifestyle or a choice in the same way that being heterosexual is not a choice. It is important to provide a
school climate that breaks through any fear and stigma so that students feel safe enough to ask for help.
Can my child opt out of this initiative?
Positive Space is one of many initiatives the school board is implementing to promote a safe and caring school
climate for all. It is part of Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy. All LDSB students are expected to show
respect for all members of their school community.
Who can I contact to get more information on the Positive Space initiative in my
school?
Parents who would like further information, and have already spoken with the school principal, may contact the
school supervisor. Parents can also find more information and resources on the following websites: