New webpage champions 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in education
A new webpage launched by the Faculty of Education is shining a spotlight on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and support, offering future educators, faculty, and the broader community a powerful new tool for building safer, more inclusive classrooms.
The 2SLGBTQIA+ Emerging Teachers and Educators webpage, now live on the Faculty of Education site, brings together a wide range of teaching resources, practicum support, and community links, providing a centralized hub for those learning about or working toward 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in educational spaces.
Dr. Robert Mizzi and Dean Jan Stewart championed the creation of the new Faculty of Education webpage dedicated to 2SLGBTQIA+ resources for teachers and educators.
At the heart of the project is Dr. Robert Mizzi, Canada Research Chair in Queer, Community, and Diversity Education and a professor in the Faculty of Education. The site, also strongly supported by Dean Jan Stewart, was created to address gaps in accessibility and visibility of supports for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and educators.
“Dean Jan Stewart and I recognized that while important work around 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion was happening, it wasn’t always easy to access or well-known among students. This platform brings together queer knowledge, community resources, and real-world tools in one accessible place,” said Mizzi, who also presented at TEDx Winnipeg (at the University of Manitoba) on the “Power of Rural LGBTQ+ Pride”.
A resource for educators—and beyond
While the website is tailored to emerging teachers and practicing educators, Dr. Mizzi emphasizes that it has value for a broader audience, including school administrators, counsellors, parents, and community organizations.
“Inclusion is a collective responsibility,” Mizzi stated. “Even those who are already grounded in equity work may find new insights and tools here. The goal is to foster understanding and action across all levels of education.”
Supporting safer schools and courageous teaching
Beyond its practical offerings, the site represents a public commitment by the Faculty of Education to create safer, more informed, and affirming educational spaces. It is both a teaching tool and a declaration of values.
“We hope the website sparks open dialogue and helps educators feel more confident leading conversations about sexual and gender diversity,” said Dr. Mizzi. “It’s about creating space for courageous teaching.”
Features that inform and empower
Key features of the website include:
- Support for 2SLGBTQIA+ students on practicum, including guidance on navigating identity in school settings
- Curated local and national resources, such as links to the Rainbow Resource Centre and the Manitoba Teachers’ Society
- A glossary of key terms to support foundational learning
- Balanced academic and applied content on topics like wellness, inclusive curriculum, and sexual health
Dr. Mizzi notes that for many, simply having access to a centralized, affirming platform can be transformative in supporting inclusive practice. Says one current B.Ed. student after after reviewing the webpage, “As a queer Bachelor of Education student, finding resources that affirm 2SLGBTQ+ identities in education isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Tools like this remind me that there’s a place for me in the classroom, and that inclusion isn’t an add-on, it’s the foundation for truly equitable learning.”
Bridging research, teaching, and advocacy
One unique aspect of the site is a digital teaching resource developed in tandem with the 2SLGBTQIA+ History Mural now displayed in the Education Building. The mural, created as part of Dr. Mizzi’s ongoing research and public education work, illustrates key moments in Canadian queer history.
One section of the webpage is dedicated to the 2SLGBTQIA+ History Mural at the Faculty of Education.
Through the website, users can interact with the mural and learn about the significance of each image, linking past struggles with contemporary classroom learning.
“This is part of a broader effort to make queer history visible and teachable,” said Dr. Mizzi. “It’s a visual and educational anchor that supports our broader goals for inclusion.”
Faculty support
The website was funded through a grant from the Faculty of Education.
“I’m deeply grateful to the Faculty for supporting this project,” said Dr. Mizzi. “This site reflects our shared commitment to equity, research-informed practice, and building inclusive communities inside and outside the classroom.”