SOGI 123 in B.C.s schools reduces discrimination even for heterosexual students: report [Video]

A report on the use of SOGI 123 in schools across B.C. finds that it has been effective in reducing violence and discrimination, even for heterosexual students.

The UBC Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre (SARAVYC) report shows that SOGI 123 decreased bullying and sexual orientation discrimination for all students.

SOGI 123 is a program that supports district and school-level champions as well as public resources on policies, inclusive strategies, and teaching content designed to reduce bullying and foster respect and inclusion for LGBTQ2 youth in schools.

It is not part of the curriculum but rather a guideline for teachers and parents to address these issues with students.

“Over the past 10 years, we found LGBQ+ youth were still more likely than heterosexual peers to face verbal harassment, social exclusion, and physical assaults at school,” study lead author Elizabeth Saewyc, a professor and executive director of the research centre, said in a statement.

She added that they were also much …