Educators have expressed a need for more SOGI resources and training to ensure all students feel confident being themselves. SOGI 1 2 3 is an educator network, and is simply one way that educators can find the resources and tools to better understand sexual orientation and gender identity. SOGI 1 2 3 provides professional development and curriculum resources such as ready to use, grade-level appropriate lesson plans, online learning modules and customizable templates and tools that align with BC’s curriculum. It also provides guidance and support for school districts in creating inclusive policies, procedures, and school environments. SOGI 1 2 3 equips educators of all backgrounds and experiences with more understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity, so that SOGI topics and considerations can be included in schools and classrooms appropriately. SOGI 1 2 3 educator resources are designed to support delivery of the provincial curriculum, but their use in B.C. schools is not mandated.

The ARC foundation developed SOGI 1 2 3 in collaboration with the B.C. Ministry of Education, B.C. Teachers’ Federation, The University of British Columbia’s faculty of education, Out in Schools, nine school districts throughout B.C., and local, national and international 2SLGBTQIA+* community organizations. The ARC Foundation, a private foundation based in Vancouver that supports projects that improve the status of those who are marginalized in society by sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or financial status.

*NOTE: 2SLGBTQIA+ is used to refer to two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, non-binary et al.