Canada's first and only classroom for queer students marks 15 years

In 1995, the deep cuts to education of the “Spare us Harris” years loomed. But luckily, just before the axe fell, social worker Tony Gambini and Toronto School Board trustee John Campey spearheaded a project to address the failure of the mainstream educational system to keep queer high school students safe and engaged. They worked with school administrators and the school board to establish an alternative program for at-risk LGBTQ youth. Triangle Program became and remains Canada’s first and only classroom specifically for LGBTQ students.

Triangle is characterized by its queer and out teachers, its safe classroom space away from Toronto District School Board (TDSB) property, and queer students who were pushed out of mainstream schools and who may otherwise have turned to the streets rather than finish high school.

Those who agreed to teach at Triangle effectively outed themselves in a homophobic system. Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCCT) pastor Brent Hawkes agreed to house the program in the church basement, rent-free and without demand for any religious instruction. And Oasis Alternative Secondary School welcomed Triangle’s administrative functions under its umbrella.

In the beginning, Triangle was a last-chance stopgap for up to 18 queer students in grades 9 and 10. Successful students reintegrated into diploma-granting schools from grade 11 to finish their education and, finally, earn their diplomas. Still, for many, returning to mainstream schools was unimaginable.

The first Triangle students were in their late teens and early 20s. There were days when only three or four showed up. Triangle has changed significantly over the years. While still a program for at-risk queer youth, a number of trans-identified youth have recently participated. Grades 11 and 12 are now offered and student enrollment has grown to 45. Students enter the program at an earlier age, attendance is consistently high and the teacher complement has doubled. In 2006, Triangle transformed from a stopgap to a destination. Ten students graduated from the most recent class, some of them receiving scholarships to help them pursue higher education or their dream jobs.

Triangle has a lot to celebrate on its 15th anniversary. But moving forward takes the continued commitment and support of teachers, the MCCT, the TDSB and the queer community. By penetrating the homophobic spaces of schools in the GTA, Triangle provides at-risk queer youth with the tools and confidence to claim their identities and their right to a good education free from homophobic violence.

Doreen Fumia is an associate professor at Ryerson University and Johannah May Black is a doctoral student at York University. Both serve on the Triangle School Community Council.
the deets
Triangle’s 15-Year Celebration Party
Great music, finger foods, cash bar
Tues, Sept 7, 6pm
Fuzion, 580 Church St.
$50
jcampey@socialplanningtoronto.org or 416-351-0095 x260
triangleprogram.ca