Participation Manual

• To increase the visibility and contribute to the development of positive, supportive people and spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, staff and faculty at Vancouver Island University
• To increase awareness, affirmation and education around gender identity and sexual diversity issues
• To develop a community of resource people who are knowledgeable about gender identity and sexual orientation issues and resources, and are willing to support their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender colleagues, classmates and co-workers
• To provide on-going educational and professional development sessions for the campus community on issues related to sexual orientation and gender diversity
• To increase awareness and open up discussion on often suppressed, silenced issues and create networks of support across campus
• To help foster a more visibly welcoming, safer, non-exclusionary campus community, one that is enriched and enlivened by its diversity.

Everyone who participates in the Positive Space Campaign at Vancouver Island University is required to participate in an orientation session.  The purpose of the orientation is to bring to light issues that affect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, staff and faculty, and to introduce participants to resources that exist both on campus and in the Nanaimo community.  Once you have completed the orientation, you will receive a Positive Space symbol (in the form of a sticker and/or a tent card) to display in your work, study, or living space.  The symbol indicates that your space is a place to be open about issues of sexual orientation or gender identity without fear of homophobia or harassment.

• That lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, staff and faculty might feel that they can speak and act more openly around you
• That you may be a role model for others
• That your actions may influence others and encourage them to be more open and supportive towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals
• That you might learn more about issues affecting the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people
• That by participating in Vancouver Island University’s Positive Space Campaign, you have made a personal contribution to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment on campus

Did You Know?

Gay men and lesbians in Canada have experienced persistent patterns of discrimination and persecution.  They have:

• Been treated as mentally ill and subjected to conversion therapies, including electroshock treatment
• Been targeted by discriminatory laws, including criminal prohibition of same-sex practices
• Not been permitted (until recently) to participate openly in the Armed Forces
• Faced discrimination in employment and housing; and
• Been the victims of hate-motivated crimes, anti-gay and anti-lesbian violence, and verbal harassment

Progress

• 1969 - the federal government removed criminal sanctions against same-sex practices between consenting adults
• 1977 - Quebec became the first province to prohibit discrimination against gays and lesbians, followed by most of the other provinces during the 80’ and 90’s
• 1979 - prohibitions on the immigration of gays and lesbians were removed
• 1996 - the federal government amended the federal Human Rights Act to include a prohibition of discrimination against gays and lesbians
• 2000 – the federal government passed legislation that gives same-sex couples who have lived together for more than a year the same benefits and obligations as heterosexual common-law couples
• 2003 – MPs pass Bill C-250, which adds “any section of the public distinguished by sexual orientation” to the list of groups protected from hate propaganda (this bill received royal assent in 2004)
• 2003 – Ontario and B.C. courts recognize same-sex marriages as legal and  the United Church of Canada votes to recognize same-sex marriages
• 2005 – Canada becomes the fourth country in the world to recognize same-sex marriage, after the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain
• 2006 – With the recognition of marriage gays and lesbians are now able to sponsor same-sex partners on equal terms and steps were taken to accommodate the barriers created by the lack of recognition of same-sex marriage in other parts of the world
• Recent changes in legislation and in societal norms have created a growing acceptance of families with same-sex parents, as well as the adoption of children by same-sex couples and awarding custody of children to gays and lesbians

Continued Discrimination

• Gay and lesbian books and other forms of media continue to be censored despite court challenges
• In criminal cases, homosexual advances have sometimes been treated as “provocation”, thus justifying a shorter sentence for an assailant, even when in similar heterosexual advance would not be treated in this way
• The Criminal Code still discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation, as the age of consent for anal intercourse is higher than for vaginal intercourse
• Hate crimes directed at gay men and lesbians continue to be widespread

For a more complete Canadian timeline, a world timeline and for updates and more details on any of these issues, see EGALE Canada.

Although the BC Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination and harassment on the grounds of sexual orientation in areas of housing, employment, and service provision, oppressive behaviours against lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender individuals still exist.  Homophobia and heterosexism are two pervasive issues that 2SLGBTQ+ persons face.

Did You Know?

Displaying the Positive Space symbol may open the door to discussions, expressions of concern and requests for advice that you might not otherwise receive.  For example, a student concerned that one of their instructors is making homophobic remarks in class might come to you for advice on options.  A gay co-worker who is feeling excluded in their work environment might feel they can discuss the issue with you safely.  These situations may challenge you in new ways in your relationships with students and co-workers.

To meet this challenge it is important to practice effective communication and listening skills, as well as to be knowledgeable of institutional and community resources in order to make appropriate referrals.

The following are some guidelines that may assist you when interacting with others:

• Pay attention to your body language.  Approximately 90% of the message is in how it is delivered, rather than the actual words used.  Facing a person, giving them your undivided attention, and positive facial expression and body stance are essential.
• Let people express themselves fully before you respond. 
• Let people take their own time.  They may be sounding you out to see if they can trust you.  Ask open-ended questions that allow the other person to guide and control the discussion.
• Ask questions and summarize to ensure that you understand what is being communicated to you and what the person is asking of you.
• Empathize, don’t sympathize.  Empathy is demonstrating that you understand the feelings of another person.  Sympathy is expressing feelings of pity or sorrow for someone else’s situation.
• Understand that often listening is the most important thing you can do.  People do not come to you expecting you to solve their problem but wanting to be heard and possibly to get another’s perspective.
• When asked for advice, provide options for action or for gaining more information, not answers.  Remember that there is no “correct” answer that is right for everyone.
• Realize that not every issue has a solution.  Sometimes there really is nothing that can be done except to help another person deal with the emotions they are experiencing.
• Make referrals to others as requested and as appropriate. 

Our individual skills, experience, and institutional role will impact our comfort level in dealing with more challenging situations.  Remember that you are not being asked to act as a counsellor or support person.  Pay attention to your own boundaries and comfort level and refer to others as appropriate.

As you read on, be aware of what thoughts, feelings and questions arise when you ask yourself the following questions:

1. Can you think of three positive aspects of life as a 2SLGBTQ+ person?  Can you think of three negative aspects of life as a 2SLGBTQ+ person?
2. Have you ever laughed at a “queer” joke?
3. Do you ever intentionally do or say things to try to prevent people from thinking that you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender?
4. Do you believe that a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person could influence another person to become lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender?  Do you think someone could influence you to change your sexual and affectional preference or gender identity?
5. If you are a parent, how would you (or do you) feel about having a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender child?
6. Would the knowledge that a professional such as a doctor, physiotherapist or massage therapist was lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender influence your willingness to go to him or her?  Would you feel more comfortable if you knew that their orientation made it unlikely that they would be attracted to you?
7. Under what conditions have you or would you go to a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender bar, social club, movie or rally?
8. Would you wear a button that says, “How dare you presume I’m heterosexual?”  Why or why not?

It is normal to find that you have to some extent internalized the homophobia that exists in our culture.  Homophobia may be experienced and expressed by 2SLGBTQ+ as well as heterosexual people.

What we want to achieve is to be able to truly celebrate the fact that human beings have different sexual orientations and gender identities.  Celebration means:

• Awareness that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are an indispensable part of society
• Viewing 2SLGBTQ+ people with genuine affection and appreciation
• Advocating for equity on issues that impact the LBGT community, and
• Attending 2SLGBTQ+ functions because they are important community events

The Anti-Racism Response Training (ART) program, developed by Dr. I. Ishiyama, is focused on the options for action available to anyone who witnesses a discriminatory event.  While his work is focused on racism, the model can be applied to any type of expression of bias or prejudice.

If you want to be an active witness - that is - to actively intervene when you witness homophobic comments, slurs or jokes, your intervention can address:

• The “victim” of the homophobia or heterosexism
• The “offender”, the person whose actions or words were homophobic or heterosexist
• Other witnesses or bystanders.

Dr. Ishiyama has identified eleven different active witnessing response types that can be used, often in combination, to address a situation.  They are:

• Interrupt, assertively interject – “Stop it.”  “Wait a moment.”
• Express upset feelings – “I can’t believe you are saying this!”  “I’m surprised to hear you say such a thing”
• Call it discrimination, or homophobia – “That’s homophobic”, “That is a discriminatory comment”, “What you just said sounds very homophobic”.
• Disagree – “I disagree with what you just said.”  “I don’t think that is true.”
• Question validity of statement – “Always?” “Everybody?”
• Point out how it offends and hurts people – “That’s a hurtful comment.”  “Ouch! That hurts.”
• Put the “offender” on the spot – “What?” “Could you repeat what you just said?”
• Help the “offender” to self reflect – “Did you really mean to say that?  That’s a very hurtful comment.” “You sound really annoyed.  What’s going on?”
• Approaching and supporting the “victim” – “I heard what was just said.  Are you OK?”
• Approaching other witnesses – “Did you hear what I just heard?”
• Asking others for involvement and assistance –to use when you feel official action should be taken.  Bring the issue to the attention of your instructor (if a student), the Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Office, the Dean of the faculty or other university representative.

You do not need to always address the “offender”

There may be circumstances where it would feel unsafe to address him or her or useless (if the person is intoxicated, for example).  Supporting the victim and encouraging other witnesses to support the victim is as important and effective as intervening with the “offender” if you want to take a stand and be an ally to 2SLGBTQ+ people.

2SLGBT+

An acronym for Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual, Trans, Gender Independent, Queer and Questioning.  It is used throughout this manual for convenience, but please use whichever label a person contacting you feels most identified with.

Bisexual

A person who is romantically/sexually attracted to or involved with both men and women or persons of all genders.  Bisexual persons may not be equally attracted to people of all genders.

Closeted

(Also known as “in the closet”) A metaphor for not disclosing, or being able to disclose, one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.  This can be self-imposed or externally imposed.

Coming Out

(Also referred to as “coming out of the closet”) The process of becoming aware of one’s homosexual, bisexual orientation or transgender identity/status, accepting it and disclosing it to others.  Coming out is an on-going process that may or may not include coming out to people in all aspects of one’s life.  Some people may be completely “out”; some may be “out” to some people or in some areas of their lives and not others and some may never come out to anyone beside themselves.

Gay

A person who forms sexual and affectionate relationships with those of the same gender; often used to refer to men only.

Gay Bashing

Physical/sexual violence perpetrated against lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals or those perceived to be so.  Gay bashing can include verbal, physical and psychological assault and harassment.  All 2SLGBTQ+ persons are vulnerable to bashing.  However, those who look visibly different by society’s standards are especially vulnerable.  Transgender persons, particularly those who are transitioning or who are non-operative, are often targets of violence.

Gender Dysphoria

The overall psychological term used to describe the feelings of anguish and anxiety that arise from the mismatch between a transgender person’s physical sex and their gender identity.

Gender Identity

One’s internal and psychological sense of oneself as female, male, both or neither.  A person’s self-concept of their gender may be the same as, or different from, their sex at birth (male, female, or inter-sexed).  Thus, adopting the female gender means becoming socially and culturally female, even if one is biologically male or inter-sexed.  A person may also define their gender identity as being more fluid than either male or female.  In other words, their gender identity may encompass parts of masculinity, femininity and/or other non-traditional gender expressions.

Gender Transition

The process of transitioning to one’s internal gender identity when this gender identity is different from the one typically assigned to one’s physical body at birth.  This may or may not involve surgical intervention or taking hormonal medication, which can result in some changes in appearance and/or behaviour.

Heterosexism

Prejudice based on societal values that dictate that everyone is or should be, heterosexual.  Intentionally or unintentionally, our society bestows privilege on heterosexuality and heterosexual persons, and devalues, mistreats or discriminates against lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender persons and those perceived to be so.

Heterosexual

(Or “straight”) A person who is romantically/sexually attracted to or involved with members of a different (“opposite”) sex.

Homophobia

Harassing, prejudicial treatment of, or negative attitudes, fear and intolerance toward, 2SLGBTQ+ persons and those perceived to be of these sexual orientations or gender identities.  It includes a range of feelings and behaviours from discomfort and fear to disgust, hatred and violence.

Homosexual

A man who is romantically/sexually attracted to or involved with other men; also used as an umbrella term for everyone who has same-sex romantic/sexual attractions or relations.  Many lesbian, gay, or bisexual people find the term “homosexual” to be too clinical and instead opt to use 2SLGBTQ+ terminology.

Inclusive Language

The use of gender non-specific language (i.e. “partner” instead of “husband”) to avoid assumptions that limit and to enhance inclusion and the accessibility of information and services.

Internalized Homophobia

the experience of shame, guilt, or self-hatred in reaction to one’s own feelings of sexual attraction for a person of the same gender.

Inter-sexed

A person who is born with physical and/or chromosomal features in which sex characteristics usually considered to belong to distinctly male or female bodies are combined in a single body.  Inter-sexed persons are often subject to surgical intervention at birth.  The term inter-sexed is sometimes encompassed under the term “transgender”.  However, while there are some areas of overlap with inter-sexed and transgender issues, there are also many areas of distinction.

Lesbian

A woman who is romantically/sexually attracted to or involved with other women.

OP (operative)

Non–Op = transgender persons who choose not to undergo sex reassignment surgery and may or may not transition.  Pre-Op = those awaiting sex reassignment surgery who may be in the process of transitioning.  Post-Op = those who have completed sex reassignment surgery.

Out

To be open about one’s sexual orientation or gender identity in some or all areas of one’s life.

Outing

To disclose the sexual orientation or gender identity of someone else without their permission.

Queer

A once derogatory term reclaimed by some 2SLGBTQ+ persons.  Often used as an umbrella term to encompass all LGBTs, or refers to political activism or academic inquiry on lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender issues.  In some cases, it has been adopted as a self-identifying label for persons who experience their sexuality as more fluid than the individual 2SLGBTQ+ labels imply.

Questioning

Persons who are engaging in a process of self-exploration around issues of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Reclaiming Language

The process of taking back terms that were once used as insults and instead instilling them with positive meaning for self-empowerment. Examples in the 2SLGBTQ+ communities include queer, fag, dyke and trannie.  If you are not a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, it is often best not to use reclaimed terminology unless you are sure that the terms will be received with your positive intent and not seen as insulting.  If you are 2SLGBTQ+ (and out), use of reclaimed language is generally safe, but you may wish to be careful around those just coming to terms with their sexual orientation.  Some may not be aware that these terms have been reclaimed.  Others may not feel comfortable using particular terms.

Sexual Orientation

One’s sexual, affectional and romantic interests to members of the same gender (homosexual), other gender (heterosexual) or both/all genders (bisexual).  Some people experience their sexual orientation as an unchanging, lifelong part of their nature, and others experience it in more fluid ways that change over time or across situations. 

Transgender, trans or trans-identified

A person who identifies with a gender identity other than the one that was ascribed to their biological sex at birth; or a person who views their gender as more fluid than the strictly male or female gender categories allow. 

Transsexual

A person who identifies with and lives as a gender different (“opposite”) from the one typically assigned to their sex at birth.  Transsexual persons usually undergo gender transition with or without surgical or hormonal intervention.  Also known as male-to-female, MTF, female-to-male, FTM, transwomen, and transmen.

Our Positive Space Alliance emblem is an integration of three historically powerful symbols of the Gay Liberation movement: the Rainbow Flag, the Pink Triangle and the Black Triangle. We chose to combine these three symbols in our emblem both as a remembrance of the oppression faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people throughout history, and as a reflection of strength and pride that exists within our community.

An estimated 220,000 gay men and lesbians died along with Jews, Gypsies and members of the Nazi resistance from the beginnings of the rise of Nazi power, in Nazi concentration camps and during the aftermath of World War II. Concentration camp prisoners were identified by a set of coloured triangles, the Pink Triangle being used to denote gay men. Today, the Pink Triangle has come to represent the phrase "Never Forget, Never Again".

The Black Triangle was used by the Nazis to identify "socially unacceptable" women. Lesbians were included in this category. Lesbians have since reclaimed the Black Triangle as a symbol of their defiance against repression and discrimination.

Mixing these two elements into the stylized mountains is in tribute to those peaks that surround Nanaimo, specifically Mount Benson.

The Rainbow Flag, created in 1978 for San Francisco's Gay Freedom Celebration, depicts the colours of the rainbow in horizontal stripes. This flag, which has become a universal emblem for unity within diversity (or diversity within unity), remains a powerful symbol of pride within the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Here, it has been incorporated into our logo to look like the shimmering waves that we can see in the harbour below the Mountain range.