Equity and Accessibility

Sexual Diversity and Positive Space •Gender Equity • Accessibility

The Faculty of Physical Education and Health is known as a progressive leader in equity. It is the only faculty at the University of Toronto that has made a systemic commitment to equity by providing an Equity Issues Committee within its governance structure.

Sexual Diversity and Positive Space

We welcome and respect the participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and groups.

Positive Space Committee
The Positive Space committee at the Athletic Centre is a coalition of students, faculty and staff who are committed to creating an environment free of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identities. Positive space seeks to increase awareness of sexual and gender diversity while creating an inclusive and affirming environment for all staff and members of the Athletic Centre. Contact Susan Lee for more information.

Sexual Diversity Facilitators’ Manual
Created in 2005, the manual can be used as the basis for a sexual diversity training program both inside and outside the Faculty. The training program outlines the ways in which people may be made to feel comfortable or uncomfortable about their sexuality. Through discussions, scenarios and games, participants learn about terms and issues relating to sexual diversity and how to encourage a positive environment. For more information about the manual, contact Rosanne Lopers-Sweetman.

How to create a positive space

• Be an ally; speak out against homophobia.
• Be aware that not everyone is exclusively heterosexual. Use inclusive language when asking people about physical, emotional and intellectual attractions.
• Respect diversity in styles, mannerisms and appearances. Not everyone conforms to traditional gender roles and norms.

Gender Equity

To encourage gender equity, we have developed a variety of female-friendly programs.

Women Only Hours
For women who for personal or religious reasons prefer to exercise in an all-female environment, the Athletic Centre offers Women Only Hours in the pool and in the Strength and Conditioning Centre (SCC). The AC provides locker areas for both men and women. Please see the Activity Guide for details.

START Programs
Have you ever been curious about a new sport or activity, but felt there was no way to just learn the basics and get comfortable? These Supervised Training and Recreation Time programs are designed to introduce you to the very basics of an activity and are taught by the Faculty’s top instructors. We offer over two dozen START programs in a variety of activities. Just look for the START name on the activity listings throughout the Guide. Best of all, there is only a $5 registration fee (required to ensure your spot). The Athletic Centre also offers introductory women only classes.

Accessibility

The Faculty is committed to increasing the ability of all people to take part in physical activity. More information on accessible programs at the AC is available here.