There are proposals for consideration at the upcoming BCTF AGM to change its election process to designate one seat on the Executive Committee (EC) for only members who self identify as asexual, bisexual, homosexual (lesbian or gay), pansexual, or queer, whose gender expression and/or identity is trans and/or non-binary (not cis), who are intersexual, and/or who are two-spirit.
While these proposals are intended help address a worthwhile problem to solve, they will do little to solve the intended problem. They are the wrong solution. Moreover, these proposals would diminish, rather than enhance, the voice of members who are not straight/cis – making the problem they are trying to solve worse, not better.
Discrimination Against Straight/Cis Members is Still Discrimination Based on Sexuality and/or Gender Identity/Expression
If adopted, these changes would discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression (SOGI/E). Members who are straight/cis could not hold the designated seat, based solely on their own SOGI/Es. This is a mistake – both for principled reasons and for practical reasons.
On principle, every member – regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression – should have an equal place in the union. But this proposal, if adopted, would make some members unequal, based on their SOGI/E.
In terms of practical reasons, if adopted this proposal would marginalize members who are sexual, bisexual, homosexual (lesbian or gay), pansexual, or queer, whose gender expression and/or identity is trans and/or non-binary (not cis), who are intersexual, and/or who are two-spirit. While we would be provided with a unique seat, this would make it harder for us to run for a seat on the EC on other issues, unrelated to our SOGI/E.
Right problem. Wrong solution.
People who are asexual, bisexual, homosexual (lesbian or gay), pansexual, or queer, whose gender expression and/or identity is trans and/or non-binary (not cis), who are intersexual, and/or who are two-spirit do face barriers and discrimination at work and within unions. This is an important problem to solve. In addition, beyond areas of our employment as teachers, we also face other barriers and forms of discrimination as well. Right-wing politicians attack us and use us as political pawns. Trans and non-binary people are targeted by right-wing pundits and are denied equal dignity and equal provision of services due to their SOGI/E.
The problem affects more than teaching professionals, as students need access to respectful and accurate information about their own sexuality, sexual health, and gender identity and expression. Positive role models in media, books, and popular culture are needed for students of all kinds of SOGI/Es. Schools should be safe and inclusive for all students to learn and to belong. Community is important for everyone, and we should foster respectful communities for all students.
The BCTF has been a leader for a long time to help address these problems by pushing back against all forms of discrimination and inequality. As a union, the BCTF has been an advocate for equal rights for all persons – regardless of their SOGI/E. The BCTF fights for equal employment rights, workplace dignity for all, and opportunities for all members to have a strong voice in our union. We have also advocated for SOGI/E education, pushing back against all forms of indoctrination that would deny students who are asexual, bisexual, homosexual (lesbian or gay), pansexual, or queer, whose gender expression and/or identity is trans and/or non-binary (not cis), who are intersexual, and/or who are two-spirit their right to accurate and respectful information and education.
The proposal to create a designated seat on the EC does not solve the problems that students and teachers face in terms of our rights as people of diverse SOGI/Es. Within the BCTF, there is already a strong culture of respect, inclusion, dignity for all members, students, and BCTF staff and partners. We do not need to discriminate on the basis of one’s SOGI/E because our union already has ways for members of all SOGI/Es to be active leaders in the education profession and our teachers’ union. The BCTF is already doing a good job of pushing back against all forms for discrimination based on one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression. This benefits all members of the BCTF and strives for equality for all gender identities and expressions and all sexual/asexual orientations.
This proposal would also not address the broader issues – throughout society – faced by people who are are asexual, bisexual, homosexual (lesbian or gay), pansexual, or queer, whose gender expression and/or identity is trans and/or non-binary (not cis), who are intersexual, and/or who are two-spirit. These broader issues require political leadership, including the leadership of unions and the labour movement more broadly, to ensure that equality on the basis of one’s SOGI/E is respected. The BCTF can be a leader in this movement, but does not need to designate a seat only for members who are not straight/cis to carry out this leadership role. All members of the EC should continue to push for equality on this basis throughout every workplace and union in Canada and beyond.
Let’s continue to work together as a union for equality, dignity, and respect. Let’s continue to advocate for SOGI/E education for all students. Let’s continue to work together, united as a union, for the workplace rights of all members, especially those who require accommodations based on their unique needs.
