Dear Ellie,

Thank you for contacting us! Let me first apologize for the long delay in our answer. We are currently submerged with questions from our numerous visitors. It is really nice to hear that they are pro-active parents such as yourself that you are working hard to change the status quo in the schools.

We, at AlterHeros, are currently on a committee that is working on the English adaptation of an educational kit called “Resource Kit on Sexual Orientation” that will be provided to all English schools in Québec. This project follows from an initiative that took place last year in Québec, where community organization, educators unions, school boards and government (Public Health) sat together to create a unique tool for all educators and youth workers in the French high school in Québec. I believe over 1000 kits have been distributed so far. This year, we are working on the English adaptation. The final product should be launched in September. We have a lot of information on the website about this kit – what it contains, who is for, etc – but currently only in French. ( http://www.alterheros.com/english/edito/index.cfm?recordID=18 )

This kit will include a document called “Why talk about it? Why take action?”, which will provide information regarding laws against discrimination, consequences of homophobia, frequently-asked-questions, etc. This document is currently available in French on our website. As soon as the English documentation is available, you will post it on the website.

I can also refer you to another organization in Montréal who visit schools and teachers as part of their work. They are called GRIS-Montréal. They have been very active for the past few years, and published in 2003 an educational tool aim to demystify homosexuality and fight homophobia in the school environment. GRIS-Montréal and AlterHéros works closely together. They publish the website address of AlterHeros on the blackboard each time they visit a school. They also had a major campaign here. For more info about this click here: http://www.alterheros.com/english/edito/index.cfm?recordID=6

Consult our Mutual-Aid network for their contact information.

Wishing you all the best!

Team AlterHeros