The Richmond School District is not considering policy changes similar to those made in Vancouver recently, in regards to its LGBTQ student population, largely due to the fact no problems have been identified by district executives.
However, at least one youth worker in Richmond has raised a concern that there isn't enough support for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgendered or questioning) youth in the city, be it at school or throughout the community.
"I think there's a lot of fear and not a lot of resources. It's a different environment here than in Vancouver, even though it's just a bridge away," explained Dora Ng, youth worker at South Arm Community Centre.
Ng hosts a weekly LGBTQ youth gathering at the community centre, which started in the fall of 2013 after a few focus groups. She recently spoke out in favour of the changes in Vancouver that will, most notably, usher in gender neutral pronouns for students and teachers to use, as well as gender neutral washrooms. By and large, however, the changes are merely an update to a decadelong LGBTQ-specific policy of acceptance, stated Vancouver School Board chair Patti Bacchus to media last week.
Richmond's school board chair Donna Sargent said one discussion at a committee has taken place but it was felt that the current code of conduct takes care of accepting the special group.
"The issue has never been brought forward from the community and schools in that regard," said Sargent, who didn't know the extent of the LGBTQ student population in her district. According to a 2012 poll commissioned by the National Post newspaper, 10 per cent of Canadian youth said they are part of the LGBTQ population.
Ng says there is "a vicious cycle" that exists in Richmond, because there are so few programs and working groups for the LGBTQ, youth tend to go to Vancouver for support. As a result, they hide who they really are, resulting in members of the mainstream community not understanding the true nature of the LGBTQ community in Richmond.
"Kids are afraid to be out," said Ng, who has noted the hiding is greater in the Chinese-Canadian community.
"Kids don't want to be picked up (at the gathering). The parents will begin asking questions, and that may out them," said Ng.
Her group is a small one, however, it recently hosted a fashion show that was publicized by Richmond's communications department for youth week.
"One kid, he likes wearing heels and is always afraid when he does. He says he got inspired by the kids at the fashion show," said Ng.
School trustee Kenny Chiu said there have been no requests to change the status quo.
"It's a very controversial subject. We need to balance the sensitivity of the students and teachers and parents with the community's demands," added Chiu, noting the district abides by the B.C. Human Rights Code.
Meanwhile, at Richmond City Hall, in the wake of Surrey disallowing the raising of the Rainbow flag for Pride Week at the end of July, Coun. Harold Steves noted there have been no signs of interest for the city to host a Pride event.
While supportive of the LGBTQ community, Steves said the city's policy is to not raise any flags for any special interest groups unless it's at the behest of city council.
In April, Kwantlen Polytechnic University announced its Positive Space Campaign, to roll out in 2015. It aims to increase visibility and support for the LGBTQ community.
