In a recent incident at Oyster Pond Academy in Nova Scotia, multiple parents withdrew their children from school following a gender identity presentation that sparked significant controversy. The presentation, aimed at seventh to ninth graders aged 12 to 15, was partially delivered by Teo Ferguson, a nonbinary drag queen who also works as a creative programming facilitator at The Youth Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting youth grappling with issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation.
Content of the Presentation
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Ferguson’s presentation covered important topics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and healthy relationships. They explained that the discussion aimed to educate students on how queer-identifying individuals might express their gender. However, parents were taken aback by the nature of the presentation and the fact that Ferguson, who performs under the stage name “Cookie Cunningham,” had shared their personal drag account with an underage student.
The Halifax Regional Center for Education acknowledged the incident, stating, “One of the presenters shared their personal social media details, which prompted some of the students to view content that is intended for an adult audience.” Many parents expressed outrage not only over the content of the presentation but also over the exposure to Ferguson’s social media, which features risqué images.
Parent Reactions
Hollie Riggs, one of the parents who opted to pull her child from school, voiced her concerns to local news outlets. “It went above and beyond what should be taught in the classroom,” Riggs stated, emphasizing her discomfort with what was discussed and the access students had to Ferguson’s drag account. Another parent, Greg Austin, reported that his son felt uncomfortable during the presentation and noted that students were not permitted to leave.
Austin commented, “My son came home from school yesterday. He was telling me about the interactions he had with the influencer. Mostly for me as a parent, we had no idea that anybody was coming to talk to our kids.”
Ferguson’s Defense
In response to the backlash, Ferguson clarified the situation in multiple social media posts. They stated that they shared their drag account details by mistake, explaining that a teacher’s excitement about the presentation led to the mix-up. “At the start of all presentations, I told all classes not to look for me on social media,” Ferguson asserted. They further elaborated that they did not physically show their account to students, emphasizing the unintended nature of the disclosure.
School’s Response
Following the complaints from parents, the school administration sent out a letter explaining that they are legally obligated to adhere to the Health Education curricula provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Education. The curriculum includes topics such as puberty, relationships, and sexual health, ensuring that students receive comprehensive education in these areas.
While some parents were upset, not all shared the same sentiment. One parent expressed support for the presentation, noting that their child, who is exploring their gender identity, found it beneficial. The Halifax Regional Center for Education also mentioned that school administrators visited the ninth-grade class afterward to address the fallout and clarify that the sharing of social media accounts was inappropriate.
Conclusion
The incident at Oyster Pond Academy underscores the complexities surrounding discussions of gender identity and sexuality in educational settings. While some parents advocate for such discussions as essential for inclusivity and understanding, others remain concerned about the appropriateness of content and the exposure of minors to adult themes. As conversations continue, it highlights the need for open dialogue between schools, parents, and students regarding sensitive topics in education.