More difficult than before to discuss sensitive topics in class
Marriage between two people of the same sex is discussed in a school in Montreal. A few students squirm in their chairs while listening totheir Secondary 1 teacher. Some exchange glances with comrades, others grimace. Then a boy raises his hand: "Sir, this is bad. It's not good! »
For Marie Houzeau, executive director of the organization GRIS-Montréal, there is no doubt: homophobic and transphobic comments circulate in demonstrations, on social networks, but also in schools, under the pretext of freedom of expression.
"In the late 1990s, there was little reaction to homophobic comments in the classroom. Then the years passed and the young people who made this kind of statement [in the 2000s], they were put in order by their classmates. We felt that it was no longer accepted, at least publicly," explainsMs. Houzeau.
"But now [in 2023], we see that homophobic opinion, I emphasize the word 'opinion', is seen as legitimate in some speeches. We hear: 'It's my right to be homophobic' or 'It's my right to be transphobic,'" continues the organization's executive director. GRIS-Montréal's LGBTQ+ community workers visit high schools and some elementary classes, startingin Grade 4.
Keeping control of the classroomThe return of this discourse (a "step backwards", according to Ms. Houzeau) has a devastating impact on today's young people who are questioning their identity, she adds.
Marie Houzeau, Executive Director of GRIS-Montréal
These are not issues that can be debated. These are human rights issues and minority protection issues.
Marie Houzeau, Executive Director of GRIS-Montréal
As a sign that the subject is topical, a conference entitled "Sensitive themes and offensive student remarks: what professional posture to adopt?" will be given in October by the continuing education department of the Faculty of Education of the Université de Montréal.
For Marie Houzeau, executive director of the organization GRIS-Montréal, there is no doubt: homophobic and transphobic comments circulate in demonstrations, on social networks, but also in schools, under the pretext of freedom of expression.
"In the late 1990s, there was little reaction to homophobic comments in the classroom. Then the years passed and the young people who made this kind of statement [in the 2000s], they were put in order by their classmates. We felt that it was no longer accepted, at least publicly," explainsMs. Houzeau.
"But now [in 2023], we see that homophobic opinion, I emphasize the word 'opinion', is seen as legitimate in some speeches. We hear: 'It's my right to be homophobic' or 'It's my right to be transphobic,'" continues the organization's executive director. GRIS-Montréal's LGBTQ+ community workers visit high schools and some elementary classes, startingin Grade 4.
Keeping control of the classroomThe return of this discourse (a "step backwards", according to Ms. Houzeau) has a devastating impact on today's young people who are questioning their identity, she adds.
Marie Houzeau, Executive Director of GRIS-Montréal
These are not issues that can be debated. These are human rights issues and minority protection issues.
Marie Houzeau, Executive Director of GRIS-Montréal
As a sign that the subject is topical, a conference entitled "Sensitive themes and offensive student remarks: what professional posture to adopt?" will be given in October by the continuing education department of the Faculty of Education of the Université de Montréal.
