A powerful conference for LGBTQ youth and their allies was scheduled to take place on May 5.
The Rainbow Coalition Conference will take place at the University of Guelph campus.
The Upper Grand District School Board started the Rainbow Coalition Conference in 2013.
It’s an annual event for Grade 7 to 12+ students, which celebrates, supports and provides resources for LGBTQ youth and their allies.
Each year the conference features engaging and dynamic keynote speakers to encourage and inspire students with their experiences of stories and growth.
The RCC also offers a variety of workshops that explore identity and diversity, and help youth learn, gather resources, express themselves and connect with like-minded people.
The workshops are led by professionals, community members and students, focusing on anti-bullying, anti-homophobia, anti-biphobia and anti-transphobia education.
This year’s keynote is Kate Reid, a queer-musical-activist based in Toronto. Reid holds a master of arts in gender, race, sexuality and social justice.
She uses her songs to facilitate conversations with youth around gender and sexual identities.
Workshops at this year’s conference include sessions on how to be an effective ally, sessions on gender binary and identity, workshops on mental wellness, coming out, LGBTQ+ advocacy and more. There is also a workshop specific to educators on creed accommodations and the new health and physical education curriculum.
