Trans, non-binary and genderqueer students can now use their chosen name on digital platforms

Students with the Thames Valley District School Board will now be able to use their chosen names on school digital platforms, the board announced Wednesday. 

The school board now allows transgender, non-binary, and genderqueer students to submit a form that will allow them to use their chosen or preferred name in many of the board's virtual platforms, including Google Classroom and Brightspace.

Some trans, non-binary and genderqueer people use a name different than their legal name, one that better suits their identity. 

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, and many schools in the Thames Valley board are flying Pride and Trans flags outside their schools in solidarity. 

Despite some requests from parents and students, London District Catholic School Board schools do not fly the flags. 

"We as an organization are always trying to better affirm and represent students individual identities," said Matt Sereda, the equity leaning coordinator with the TVDSB. "

In the past, students have been able to request their chosen name be used on all platforms, but the new #MyName program allows them to choose which platforms have their chosen names. 

"The need for this really came as a result of synchronous learning opportunities that have taken place since the beginning of COVID," said Sereda.

"We know identity is very personal ... It can be quite challenging for students that aren't quite prepared, for whatever reason, to update [their name] on all platforms, but still want at least their preferred or chosen name to be the name that's visible on their screen while they're in online classes."

Some platforms, such as Microsoft Teams or the school board email address, cannot be changed. 

"TVDSB recognizes that this is not a perfect solution to affirming identity, due largely to technology limitations that present temporary barriers to a more fulsome solution," the board said. "[We are] committed to continuing to improve the way student and staff identities are affirmed and will make changes to this process as new technology solutions become available." 

There is no age limit on making the request, and it can be made with or without a parent or guardian's knowledge or consent, a policy that is part of the board's guidelines for supporting trans and gender-diverse students. 

"Some trans and gender diverse students are not out openly at home because of safety and or other reasons. A school should never disclose a student's gender diversity or trans status to the student's parent(s)/guardian(s), other students, staff or other parties without the student's explicit prior consent," the board policy states.