Yukon NDP Bill paves way for safe spaces for LGBTQ2S+ students

April 20, 2022

Whitehorse, YT — Yukon MLAs have passed legislation brought by the NDP to protect trans and queer students at school.

A crowd of students, teachers and a school principal came to the Legislature on Wednesday, April 20, to witness the final vote on Whitehorse Centre MLA Emily Tredger’s Bill 304, which changes the Yukon’s Education Act to provide in-school suports for trans and queer students.

“Bill 304 is another incredibly necessary step in the incredibly difficult journey of reaching true equality and inclusivity in Yukon schools,” said Gabe, a Yukon student.

Thanks to this bill, all Yukon schools will be required to provide inclusive spaces or activities, such as Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), for LGBTQ2S+ students and their allies.

“GSAs will make some students feel safer and provide a space where they can be themselves,” said Nari, another student.

The LGBTQ2S+ community has faced many challenges over the years and continues to face such challenges. This Bill will make schools safer for LGBTQ2S+ students, regardless of which schools they attend and if the administration is supportive.

“The work we did on this bill was started because of so many students who came to us and shared their experiences. Since the bill was introduced, we’ve heard from even more students, parents and educators who shared how excited they were,” said Emily Tredger, MLA for Whitehorse Centre.

This bill also removes the condition of students needing to ask for a GSA, which is a significant barrier for students who may not be ready to be singled out, or to come out. 

“I am so proud of what we accomplished today. This bill will make schools safer for students,” Tredger said.

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