SPIRIT – 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion in School-Based Physical Activity Programs
SPIRIT is a youth-led pilot project with the aim of identifying and addressing barriers to physical activity participation for 2SLGBTQ+ students, as well as engaging youth in the planning and implementation of their own programming. As a result of empowering student leaders of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, teachers and students created a safe and welcoming environment, where students became changemakers and built knowledge, understanding, and capacity in their school.
For the SPIRIT project, PHE Canada engaged 8 schools and 180 students in 4 provinces. The video follows three students on their journey to advocating for inclusive programming and practices within their schools for gender and sexually diverse students.
As a result of the pilot, the following outcomes were achieved:
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Increased rates of 2SLGBTQ+ students in school-based physical activity participation
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Increased feelings of confidence and safety of 2SLGBTQ+ youth when participating in school-based physical activity programming
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Reduction/elimination of barriers to school-based physical activity participation for 2SLGBTQ+ students
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Increase in teacher understanding of developing inclusive physical activity environments for 2SLGBTQ+ students
To learn strategies and practices to embed inclusion into your programming, access the 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion in School-Based Physical Activity Programs Guidebook. Educators and school administrators can utilize this resource to spark positive change, combat discrimination, and educate staff and students about the importance of fostering positive, safe, inclusive spaces for physical activity.
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