Hours after Langford’s first Pride crosswalk was painted in 2024, it was vandalized – twice.
For Coun. Kimberley Guiry, what she remembers isn’t the act itself, but how the students who advocated for the crosswalk responded.
“I get really emotional, because they were so amazing,” she said. “They showed up in that moment of being discriminated against by their own community.”
The students, members of Spencer Middle School’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities (SOGI) Club, had successfully campaigned for the crosswalk with support from B.C.’s SOGI 123 program.
Guiry credits the program and its resources for helping empower those students.
“I believe that because of the resources that schools have, we can create these environments where youth can be advocates and create meaningful change in their communities,” she said.
But now she fears the long-term future of this support could be at risk.
Alongside parent of two Frazer Johnson, Guiry is making noise about the quiet withdrawal of provincial funding for the ARC Foundation, which helped develop the SOGI 123 program introduced in 2016.
The foundation recently told supporters the province is discontinuing its funding as of this year.
The loss has forced the non-profit to cut staff, raising concerns about its ability to continue supporting the program designed to prevent bullying against 2SLGBTQ+ students and help teachers foster inclusive classrooms.
“I’m mad,” said Johnson. “The province is now walking away from one of their funding streams that they were using to support an anti-bullying program, particularly for around sexual orientation and gender identity.
“These are some of the most vulnerable students in schools, whether it’s here at Millstream Elementary or if it’s in Langford or anywhere in the province.”
The Ministry of Education and Child Care said ARC’s funding has been reduced over time as part of the province’s “commitment to responsible expenditure management.”
While provincial funding is ending, the ministry said the optional SOGI 123 classroom resources developed by ARC will remain available online, and teachers will continue to have access to direct support. It also noted ARC has not been under contract to develop new resources for at least the past two fiscal years.
The ministry added that school districts have gradually built their own capacity to support the work.
While acknowledging families may worry about the funding change, Sooke School District superintendent Paul Block said the district’s commitment to inclusive schools is not dependent on a single funding source or external organization.
He said the district has developed the capacity and resources to deliver learning opportunities, while also embedding inclusion, acceptance, tolerance and diversity into its strategic plan.
“We recognize that families may worry that this funding change signals reduced support for students who rely on inclusive school environments, including students supported through SOGI-inclusive practices,” said Block.
“Our district remains committed to creating safe, supportive, and empowering learning spaces for all students, including 2SLGBTQ+ students and other students who may experience marginalization.”
Johnson and Guiry, however, say they interpret the province’s funding decision as a “lack of support” for the minority communities the program supports.
“The quiet withdrawal of funding is incredibly disrespectful to a non-profit organization that provides safe working spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and have invested so much in having inclusive spaces in school,” said Guiry.
Johnson argues the decision also undermines recent public displays of support by the provincial government, including Greater Victoria NDP MLAs marching in this month’s Victoria Pride Parade and social media posts recognizing Pride and International Non-Binary People’s Day.
“If what you’re doing and saying no longer aligns to what you’re willing to put dollars behind from your budget, then I view it as really hollow,” he says. “It doesn’t seem very genuine in terms of expressing support for something that we’re no longer going to commit any dollars to.”
To help, Guiry introduced a notice of motion at Langford council July 20, proposing the city write to the province urging it to restore ARC’s funding and reaffirm its commitment to SOGI 123 in B.C. schools.
“I do expect all levels of government to be unapologetic with how they approach showing up for their communities in very inclusive ways,” she said.
“We’re not going to get any further along as an inclusive society and break down divisive, negative dialogue that’s happening … if we are not taking out space for these hateful conversations.”
For Guiry, the issue is also personal.
As a member of an LGBTQIA household, Guiry says she and other queer families have seen firsthand the value of SOGI 123 resources in schools.
She recalls how the program helped when her two daughters were in kindergarten and questions were raised about them wearing clothes that were male-superhero themed.
After comments were made that the clothes were “not appropriate for girls,” a teacher used SOGI 123 resources to start a conversation about inclusion and the idea that clothes don’t have a gender.
“Just by using the resources available, they created a space where we said, ‘We can do better,’” said Guiry. “Kids are allowed to wear whatever they like, and there are no rules about how you show up for your classroom every day and be yourself.”
Johnson fears the funding decision will be a “momentum killer” for progress.
He points to Langford’s growing participation in Pride celebrations, including the Victoria Pride parade, local events at The Station, and schools embracing Pride-themed activities.
“SOGI 123 is about inclusion and celebrating the diversity that exists within the community,” he says. “When you pull funding out from underneath one of the key organizations that has been developing and supporting it sends the wrong message.”