Physical and Health Education Canada

When Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada) approached Spruce for support on SPIRIT,
a youth-led pilot project, we were excited to help participating 2SLGBTQ+ students tell their stories. As the national association for physical and health education, PHE Canada convened a group of 2SLGBTQ+ youth to share their experiences with the goal of creating more welcoming and inclusive school-based physical activity programs.
 
To introduce the recommendations from the group to educators, we created an animated video that highlighted the stories of SPIRIT members. The style and approach for the video was developed through our TRUE Process:

• Tell Us Your Stories
• Researching Your Environment
• Understand Your Unique Value
• Express your truth

This process allowed us to meet and listen to the 2SLGBTQ+ students in an open and non-confrontational way. An approach using animated videos was recommended to allow youth to use their own voices while remaining safe and anonymous through animation. Three youth stories were selected, which our designers and animators brought to life.
 
We then applied the animation style to a downloadable guidebook. Together, the video and guidebook help physical and health educators start their journey in understanding how to create a safe and welcoming environment for the diverse students in their care.
 
Since the launch of the pilot program, the resources and design of the SPIRIT program has become a key part of PHE Canada’s Professional Learning resources for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Using the same style and approach as the original video and guide, resources have now been expanded to include an interactive game, as well as guides and booklets to ensure that physical and health education is more inclusive for gender and sexually diverse students across Canada.