The University's Positive Space Campaign is a groundbreaking program that identifies safer and more
inclusive
spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual,
intersexed, queer, questioning and Two-Spirited(LGBTTIQQ2S) students,
staff, faculty, alumni and allies at the University of Toronto.
Positive Space challenges the patterns of silence that continue to marginalize lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, transsexual and queer students, staff and faculty even in environments with anti-discriminatory and inclusive policies. The most visible symbol is an inverted rainbow triangle sticker that you will see in many places around campus.
If you notice a rainbow triangle sticker on a door or an office, it is a sign that people in that office are supportive of LGBTQ students, staff, faculty, and our allies and would welcome your questions and requests for assistance. They may not have all the answers, but they will be helpful in a general way, and can refer you to appropriate offices and services.
Positive Space challenges the patterns of silence that continue to marginalize lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, transsexual and queer students, staff and faculty even in environments with anti-discriminatory and inclusive policies. The most visible symbol is an inverted rainbow triangle sticker that you will see in many places around campus.
If you notice a rainbow triangle sticker on a door or an office, it is a sign that people in that office are supportive of LGBTQ students, staff, faculty, and our allies and would welcome your questions and requests for assistance. They may not have all the answers, but they will be helpful in a general way, and can refer you to appropriate offices and services.
Through the provision of leadership, education, programs, resources and services that support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer employees, students and allies our campus
communities are actively working towards equitable and inclusive spaces. The U of T
Statement on Equity, Diversity and Excellence
states "Our support for equity is grounded in an institution-wide commitment to achieving a working, teaching, and learning environment that is free of discrimination and harassment as defined in the Ontario Human Rights Code. In striving to become an equitable community, we will also work to eliminate, reduce or mitigate the adverse effects of any barriers to full participation in University life that we find, including physical, environmental, attitudinal, communication or technological."
Currently,
each campus has a separate committee that works toward ensuring working
and learning environments are welcoming to LGBTQ students,
staff, faculty and allies. Change can not come from policy alone, but does come
from people acting together to ensure that all are welcome and
respected.
Want to get involved? Interested in displaying a Positive Space sticker or poster? Contact us, we can get you more information and resources!
Want to get involved? Interested in displaying a Positive Space sticker or poster? Contact us, we can get you more information and resources!
