20 – (PM) Bringing SOGI to Life with Confidence & Joy in the Elementary Classroom with Mischa Oak, Keynote Educator

Time:   1:30 – 3 :00pm        Target: ALL    (Teachers, Support Staff, Admin)

Presenter:  Mischa Oak, award-winning LGBTQ+ Keynote speaker, educator
Location:   Isfeld / Vanier – TBD
Limit:    50 in-person    (possible online access – stay tuned )


SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) is often seen as a topic for older students, yet elementary-aged children are already aware of identity, difference, and belonging. Early, thoughtful inclusion can be deeply formative, offering validation for 2S and LGBTQ+ students, reflecting Rainbow families, and helping all learners develop values of kindness and acceptance.

In this conversational and joyful workshop, BC teacher and global SOGI education thought leader Mischa Oak shares practical, age-appropriate strategies for educators at all comfort levels. Participants will leave with greater confidence and clear ways to support every student. Inclusion done well benefits everyone.

A Global Advocate with a Personal Story
•  Mischa gained international recognition as one of the first gay people in the world to get married on television on the groundbreaking reality series My Fabulous Gay Wedding. This moment of visibility launched his lifelong commitment to Queer liberation and inspired his work advancing Two-Spirit, transgender, and Queer inclusion across Canada.

•  Over a 17-year teaching career, Mischa became a trusted expert in supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth and families. After witnessing exclusion and harm firsthand in schools, he developed practical, compassionate strategies to foster safety, allyship, and belonging in education.

•  Mischa has been actively involved with 2SLGBTQ+ policy progress advocacy, Pride festivals, and community building in Toronto, Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

•  In 2022, Mischa moved from the classroom to train and advise governments, businesses, healthcare and education authorities, First Nations, and service providers on building inclusive, equitable cultures. His work bridges gaps in understanding, reduces conflict, and helps teams focus on the future they want to build—instead of being held back by discrimination.