It's a rainbow world at Odyssée

Odyssée students and teacher Sylvie Vannier marked International Day Against homophobia Tuesday May 17th with HSSE members former NorthBay-ites Derek Fergie and Maria Buscemi. Photos and story provided.

Staff and students at Odyssée marked International Day Against homophobia Tuesday May 17th by dressing in rainbow colours. The school also hosted from former NorthBay-ites Derek Fergie and Maria Buscemi from HSSE, a Toronto-based organisation, an acronym for Heterosexuals Supporting Same-sex Equality for an afternoon presentation.

HSSE's mandate is to bring a message of tolerance and understanding to society, by correcting misinformation and cultural myths which negatively affect civil rights surrounding same-sex issues. The comedian and motivational speaker had the students laughing at situations and testimonials and they were treated to the top ten list to improve perceptions and prejudices.

This was part of a year-long student-led project Exprime-toi tu es unique / Express Yourself-you are unique, which is supported by the Ministry of Education.

Student Jolyne Séguin has spearheaded the initiative and several graduating students have attended healthy relationship workshops and anti-bullying conferences in order to address the issues common with today’s youth; bullying, cyberbullying, sexual orientation stress and peer pressure.

They will be acting as mentors and offering anti-bullying presentations to the lower grade students in our feeder school.

Below is an interview with Forgie who talks about the 'equality check' following a presentation at Widdifield Secondary last spring: