Callie Bowman ('09) "Gets Real" With Greenwood's Grade 8 Students
Callie is a proud greenwood graduate and a supporter of the Get REAL movement. Get REAL is a youth-focused, non-profit organization where LGBTQ+ students and their allies share their stories with students in North America.
Callie, whose preferred pronouns are “she” and “her,” came out at the end of her fourth year in university. Her “coming out” was a very positive experience. She has had, and continues to have, a very strong support group of friends and family who embrace Callie for who she really is. She also explained to students that “coming out” is an on-going process, as she continues welcoming new people in her life.
Callie, whose preferred pronouns are “she” and “her,” came out at the end of her fourth year in university. Her “coming out” was a very positive experience. She has had, and continues to have, a very strong support group of friends and family who embrace Callie for who she really is. She also explained to students that “coming out” is an on-going process, as she continues welcoming new people in her life.
Callie feels that Greenwood has made tremendous progress in opening up the discussion of LGBTQ+ issues in the years since she graduated. Groups like the Diversity Committee and Gay-Straight Alliance have helped to make the school even more friendly and welcoming.
During the Get REAL presentation, she spoke about derogatory words or phrases that can offend others. Using such words is inappropriate and there are ways to deal with a situation when a person uses such language. For example, if a person says, “That’s so gay,” one can respond by saying, “That language is really hurtful and inappropriate – Get REAL.”
Get REAL is about being outwardly positive and non-judgmental (#fistbump), embracing the unique “you” (#youdoyou), and supporting others by making small acts every day (#support).
Being a part of GET REAL truly helped Callie share her positive outlook with students. By telling her story, she also encouraged students to embrace their own unique selves at Greenwood. Thanks Callie!
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Greenwood College School
443 Mount Pleasant Road
Toronto, ON M4S 2L8
Tel: 416 482 9811
Toronto, ON M4S 2L8
Tel: 416 482 9811
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