Negotiating belonging in schools : resisting reproducing deficit narratives for marginalized youth

In an attempt to advocate for queer and trans youth, well-meaning educators often turn to deficit frameworks and statistics in an attempt to persuade their colleagues that all children are worthy of their compassion and empathy. However, through these negotiations and despite our best intentions, we can actually reproduce harmful narratives about youth, entrenching their exclusion. This session will encourage participants to rethink the minority lens and build confidence and strategies in a more anti-oppressive, anti-colonial, and joyful framework towards TQS 4: Establishing Inclusive Learning Environments.