The Rainbow District School Board's Dare to Stand Out Conference, which takes places Nov. 16, is aimed at creating and enhancing school-based supports for students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning.

It's also aimed at students with friends and family members in these communities.

The conference, being presented in partnership with Jer’s Vision, will take place Nov. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School. The day will begin with a keynote address and feature a variety of activities and workshops.

School leaders, athletic council members, school councils, and gay-straight alliances from Rainbow secondary schools will participate in the conference, along with Grade 7 and 8 student representatives.

Leading up to the conference, Jeremy Dias will visit a number of Rainbow schools to continue the conversation on equity and inclusion.

“The purpose of the conference is to enable students to address issues surrounding homophobia and transphobia in their schools and communities and to brainstorm ways to create safer schools,” superintendent Lesleigh Dye said.

“Participants will walk away with tools and resources they can use for the benefit of all students in their schools.”

Dye praised Lo-Ellen's gay-straight alliance for organizing the Dare to Stand Out Conference under the leadership of teacher Patrick Barnholden.

“Lo-Ellen Park was the first Rainbow secondary school to organize a gay-straight alliance and present this conference,” she said. “They continue to share their success for the benefit of other schools.”

The Dare to Stand Out Conference and the Jeremy Dias visits to Rainbow schools will lead up to Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week Nov. 18-24.