Introduction

Starting post-secondary school is an exciting time, but there are some extra things to consider for queer students. It is important to be aware of the laws and policies that are in place in Canada that protect people with diverse gender and sexual identities. When it comes to sharing one’s 2SLGBTQIA+ identity, it’s useful for queer students to know how to handle disclosure—telling others about their identity—both when they start school and when applying for scholarships. Additionally, it’s valuable to be aware of the supportive programs and resources that exist to help queer students. Understanding the support systems available, knowing one’s rights, and making informed decisions can help queer students feel more confident and safer as they begin this new chapter in their education.

Protective Policies and Laws

In Canada, everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with respect, no matter who they are or who they love. To make sure this happens, there are important laws that protect queer people from discrimination. These laws make sure everyone is treated fairly, no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These laws cover areas like workplaces, services, housing, and schools, and they function to protect people from hate crimes. Understanding these laws helps us see how Canada works to ensure equality and safety for all its citizens, including those in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

First, there’s the Canadian Human Rights Act (Government of Canada, 2024). This is a federal law that applies across the whole country. It says that everyone in Canada has the right to be treated equally and without discrimination in workplaces and when accessing services. This means that employers and businesses can’t treat someone unfairly because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or any other queer identity. Additionally, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees that everyone in the country should be treated equally (Government of Canada, 2021).

Each province and territory in Canada also have their own human rights laws that work similarly to the Canadian Human Rights Act. For example, in Ontario, the Ontario Human Rights Code protects people from discrimination in areas like housing, employment, and services (Conklin, 2022). This means a landlord can’t refuse to rent to someone because they are queer, and a company can’t deny someone a job for the same reason (Conklin, 2022).

Additionally, in 2017, the Canadian government enacted Bill C-16, which added gender identity or expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination in both the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (Walker, 2016). This means that it’s not only illegal to discriminate against someone for being transgender or non-binary, but hate crimes targeting these groups are also specifically recognized and punishable by law (Walker, 2016).

In Canada, many post-secondary institutions have their own policies to protect queer students. Such universities and colleges have rules that specifically prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. For instance, McGill University has an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategic Plan that outlines its commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students, including those who are 2SLGBTQIA+ (McGill University, 2024). This includes policies to ban discrimination based on gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation, as well as other items such as support services for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and staff, and queer inclusion in curricula (McGill University, 2024).

The policies and laws outlined above help ensure that queer people in Canada can live their lives openly and without fear of unfair treatment. They are designed to promote equality and respect for everyone, regardless of who they are or who they love. However, a factor for queer students to consider when selecting a post-secondary institution is the current political landscape in each individual province and territory. If the province/territory that a queer student is attending school in passes anti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation, that could have potential ramifications for students there. At the time of writing this, three Canadian provinces (New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Alberta) have passed legislation limiting the rights of trans youth to gender-affirming care in schools (Dubé, 2023). These policies mainly impact youth under the age of 16, but they are examples of legislation that queer students should be aware of when selecting the location of their post-secondary school. Students should review the provinces’ current laws as well as the ones that may be undergoing changes, as the policies could impact the services and supports that schools offer.

Disclosure of 2SLGBTQIA+ Identities

Queer students in Canada should know a few important things about disclosure regarding their 2SLGBTQIA+ identity when applying for scholarships and before starting post-secondary school. Understanding these points can help them make informed decisions and feel more confident in their choices.

Disclosure When Applying for Scholarships

When it comes to applying for scholarships, the disclosure of one’s 2SLGBTQIA+ identity is a personal choice, especially for scholarships specifically aimed at supporting queer students. Many organizations and institutions offer scholarships for 2SLGBTQIA+ students to help them with their education expenses, such as The LOUD Foundation. Disclosing one’s identity in these applications can highlight their eligibility and increase their chances of receiving these scholarships.

However, queer students should be aware that disclosing their identity on scholarship applications is a very personal decision. They should weigh the potential benefits, such as increased financial support, against any potential risks, such as privacy or safety concerns. It’s crucial to research the scholarship organization to ensure that it is reputable and supportive of queer students. Reading reviews or testimonials from past recipients can provide insight into the organization’s respect for privacy and commitment to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ students.

Additionally, students have a right to know what their data will be used for when disclosing their identity or other demographic information in scholarship applications. Students should inquire about where their data will go and the expected uses of it, which in turn can inform students’ decisions on whether they should share their personal information. If someone wins a scholarship that is specifically meant for queer students, the results may be publicly available, which could mean that other people will see it and know that the student identifies as queer. Thus, it is necessary to consider if queer students are comfortable with that outcome when deciding whether to disclose their 2SLGBTQIA+ identity on scholarship applications.

Disclosure Before Starting Post-Secondary School

Before starting post-secondary school, queer students should know that they have control over when and how they disclose their identity. It’s important to remember that disclosure is a personal decision, and they should only do it when they feel safe and comfortable. Many universities and colleges in Canada have policies and resources in place to support queer students, such as 2SLGBTQIA+ resource centers, inclusive housing options, and mental health services. For example, Concordia University offers gender-inclusive housing options and provides resources through the Centre for Gender Advocacy (2022). Such resources can provide a support network, which can make disclosing one’s identity feel less daunting.

Queer students should also consider researching the specific supports that are available at their chosen institution. Knowing about these supports can help them decide whether or not to disclose their identity to roommates, professors, or campus administrative staff. For example, some schools have dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ advisors or peer support groups that can offer guidance and assistance. For instance, Simon Fraser University has ‘Out On Campus’, which is a resource center for queer students that offers peer support. There is a sense of community and connection that queer students may find through disclosing their 2SLGBTQIA+ identity and being a part of campus groups for queer students. Similarly, the University of Toronto has created a Career Guide for Trans and Nonbinary    students that may be helpful for figuring out career possibilities and applying to jobs. Understanding the campus culture and available resources can help queer students feel more prepared and supported.

When it comes to disclosing one’s identity on scholarship applications or at one’s post-secondary school, the key is to make informed decisions based on their comfort and what feels right for them.

2SLGBTQIA+ Supportive Programs and Resources

In Canada, queer students in post-secondary schools are protected through various laws, school policies, and supportive programs. There are many support systems in place to help queer students feel accepted and valued. These resources are designed to create a welcoming environment where all students can thrive.

As described earlier, Canada has laws that protect people from discrimination. This means that universities and colleges must ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ students are treated fairly and respectfully. On top of this, many post-secondary schools also have their own rules to support 2SLGBTQIA+ students. These institutions often have policies that directly address issues like bullying, harassment, and discrimination, such as the University of British Columbia’s Discrimination Policy (2022). Schools might provide gender-neutral bathrooms, like at Carleton University, and ensure that students can use their chosen names and pronouns. Schools also frequently have equity offices or committees dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. The University of Manitoba’s Office of Equity Transformation is one example of this, with a focus on narrowing inequities from areas like systemic and institutional heteronormativity, homophobia, and transphobia (2024).

Support services are another crucial aspect of creating an inclusive school environment. Many colleges and universities have 2SLGBTQIA+ resource centers where students can find support, information, and a sense of community. They offer a space where queer students can meet and talk to 2SLGBTQIA+ peers. For example, Dalhousie University has The South House Sexual and Gender Resource Centre, which supports women and all people navigating oppression based on sexual orientation and gender identity (2023). These centers often provide a range of services, such as organizing events and workshops, creating support groups, and providing counseling services specifically for queer students. A main purpose is usually to help queer students connect with others who share similar experiences. This functions to create a welcoming environment and ensures that students have access to the help they need.

Training and education are also important. Post-secondary schools often provide opportunities for training and workshops for staff and faculty to better understand 2SLGBTQIA+ issues. This gives teachers and other staff members the opportunity to learn how to support queer students effectively, create inclusive classrooms, and contribute to a positive campus culture.

If a queer student does face discrimination or harassment at school due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, they have ways to get help. They can file complaints with their school’s equity office or with the provincial human rights commission. Organizations like Egale (2023) and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (2023) also offer support and legal resources to help students address problems they may encounter.

In addition to policies and support centers, health services are important resources for queer students. In terms of mental health, universities and colleges often provide counselling services that are sensitive to the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Counsellors are trained to understand the specific challenges that queer students might face, such as coming out or dealing with discrimination, and they provide support and guidance. Similarly, healthcare access is an important point of consideration for queer students. Some post-secondary institutions are better equipped than others when it comes to areas such as gender-affirming care for transgender students. While some university/college health clinics may be able to provide advanced services, like transition related surgeries, other schools may not have those offerings. In that case, students seeking gender-affirming care should investigate the location of their potential schools to see if there are nearby cities where they can travel to for access to specially trained healthcare professionals. This would be an additional cost for students, thus geography is a necessary consideration for queer students when selecting their post-secondary school.

Overall, these protections, resources, and supports can work in unison to make post-secondary schools in Canada more inclusive places for queer students, ensuring they can focus on their studies, succeed academically and socially, and enjoy their time at college or university.

Conclusion

Starting post-secondary education marks an exciting new phase in life for all students, but for queer individuals, navigating this journey involves unique considerations. Understanding the protective policies and laws in Canada is crucial; these ensure equal treatment, and they safeguard against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Moreover, disclosing one’s 2SLGBTQIA+ identity during the application process for scholarships or upon entering post-secondary institutions is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of potential benefits and risks. Awareness of supportive programs and resources available on campuses, such as 2SLGBTQIA+ resource centers and inclusive policies, empowers queer students to make informed choices about when and how to disclose their identities, ensuring they feel protected and supported throughout their academic journey. By leveraging these resources and protections, queer students can cultivate a sense of belonging, access necessary support services, and focus on academic and personal growth.

References

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