The Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board is marking its first annual Gay Straight Alliance celebration day.
The board and its educators are celebrating the strides they've taken to make their schools a safer more inclusive place.
"We have students in our buildings who might not be out, who may not be coming to our GSA meetings, but the fact they exist and there are caring adults in their buildings, that symbolizes support so that eventually when they start to find their voices they know who they can approach," says Danielle Desjardins-Koloff, principal of Safe Schools, Equity and Inclusion.
Former student Eli Marentette spoke to around 100 students about his experience coming out in the LGBTQ community.
"I think it's important that you show support within Catholic schools so that people can be free to be who they are, but also continue their journey in faith," says Marentette.
Teachers say as allies of the LGBTQ students in a faith based school, their job is to embrace and educate all students.
"All we want for our students is for them to be the truest versions of themselves and to be happy. Those are the two most important things as a educator," says Desjardins-Koloff.
