The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) is a

charitable organization A charitable organization or charity is an organization whose primary objectives are philanthropy and social well-being (e.g. educational, religious or other activities serving the public interest or common good). The legal definition of a ...

whose programming works to stop bullying, discrimination and homophobia in schools and communities in

Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...

, and abroad. Through workshops, presentations, training conferences, and by supporting youth initiatives, they engage youth in celebrating diversity of

gender identity Gender identity is the personal sense of one's own gender. Gender identity can correlate with a person's assigned sex or can differ from it. In most individuals, the various biological determinants of sex are congruent, and consistent with the ...

, gender expression, and romantic orientation and/or sexual orientation.

Overview

The CCGSD, originally known as Jer's Vision, was founded by a six-member board in 2005. Started originally as a scholarship, the organization grew to a range of programs that engage schools in examining the culture of their school and providing them with programming to address challenges around bullying, homophobia, transphobia and discrimination. In March 2015, Jer's Vision changed its name to the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity.

Focus areas

Programming in Schools

The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity works with schools to develop and provide programming that engages students, staff and community to understand bullying, discrimination, homophobia and transphobia. This includes presentations, workshops, conferences, training, professional development and efforts that support youth initiatives and clubs. The organization works across Canada, especially in rural communities, and in the Northern United States.

Working in Communities

In 2007, youth from Jer's Vision were inspired by David Shepherd and Travis Price to start the International Day of Pink. The initiative supports youth actions to stop bullying in schools and communities. In 2012, over 8 million people participate in the International Day of Pink. The organization sits on a variety of committees and contributes to work across Canada. They have participated in activism and activities with the Parliament of Canada, the Senate of Canada, Government of Ontario, Ontario Chiefs of Police, and the City of Ottawa.

Recognizing Community Leaders

Starting in 2006, Jer's Vision began recognizing individuals and groups with the Youth Role Model of the Year award. The award recognizes persons who have done exceptional work to stop bullying, discrimination in their communities at their annual gala. Past recipients of the award include Rick Mercer, Jack Layton, Lori Taylor and Brandon Timmerman, Stephen Lewis, Brian Burke (ice hockey), Brian Burke, Elder William Commanda, Libby Davies, Hedy Fry, Adamo Ruggiero, Matthew Good, Audrey Wolfe, and Sheila Copps.

The Gay Sweater

On March 24, 2015, the CCGSD launche
The Gay Sweater
The campaign, aimed at reclaiming the phrase "that's so gay" by creating an actual gay object - namely a sweater knit from yarn made from 100% human hair donated by the LGBT community - was timed to coincide with Toronto Fashion Week. The Gay Sweater received widespread coverage and the YouTube]
video
had 45,000 views in the first 48 hours.

References

External links

Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity
{{Bullying Organizations established in 2005 Children's websites Anti-bullying charities Children's charities based in Canada LGBT non-profit organizations in Canada