Rainbow Schools host Embrace Diversity: Free to Be Me Conference on March 30th

Rainbow District School Board will host a half-day symposium aimed at creating and enhancing school-based supports for students in Grade 7 and 8 who are two-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) as well as students with friends and family members in these communities. Since its inception in 2009, Embrace Diversity: Free to Be Me has expanded to include poverty, race, culture and disabilities.

The conference will take place on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 9:30 am to 1 pm at Lockerby Composite School.

Throughout the event, students will enjoy workshops that touch on many important topics, including “Dealing Directly with Language” with Principal Cori Pitre; “Wellness” with Registered Social Workers Michelle Wolfe Miscio and Crystal Chopp; “Internet and Social Media Safety” with Constable Kathryn Howard of the Greater Sudbury Police Service; “Safe Spaces” with Sara Runions of Réseau ACCESS Network; and “Gay Straight Alliances in High School” with the Lockerby Composite School GSA.

Students will also have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers Andy Renaud, Aspen Groom and Brett Recollet.

Andy Renaud will speak with students about his life-long journey of finding himself through community, sobriety and a rewarding career. Despite facing hardships, Andy Renaud hopes his story will elevate voices and create positive change.

Aspen Groom, a 2SLGBTQI+ sexual health educator with Réseau ACCESS Network, is excited to share their story, discuss oppression, and foster hope towards a brighter future for all.

Brett Recollet, a two-spirited Anishinaabe from Whitefish River First Nation, will provide insight into the history of two-spirit people and how they are integrated into today’s LGBTQ+ community. Brett Recollet will also share the motivation behind claiming his space in Greater Sudbury during elementary and secondary school.

Rainbow District School Board praised the organizing committee for its efforts, including Patrick Hopkin, Cori Pitre, Kristina Rivard Gobbo, Sandy MacEwan, Vanessa Caddel and Kim Yagnych.

A full-day symposium for students in Grades 9 to 12 will take place on Tuesday, April 27, 2023.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217