TORONTO, ON - The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has presented Diana Andrews, a teacher with the Elementary Teachers of Toronto (ETT), with its 2021 Rainbow Visions Award for her book entitled “To Sappho, My Sister: Lesbian Sisters Write About Their Lives.” 

The award is presented to members or non-members of ETFO who develop materials and/or incorporate practices that work toward the inclusion of two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning realities.

Andrews’ book is a lesbian-themed anthology of relationships among different lesbian sisters around the world. It was first published in 1995, 10 years before gay marriage became legal, and before 2SLGBTQI+ adoption rights and other rights were established in Canada. In addition, it is studied in higher education internationally for its historical significance to 2SLGBTQI+ rights.

Andrews is a multi-racial, lesbian, French teacher who previously served as an executive officer with ETT and was a member of the local’s anti-racist, equity and social justice, status of women and new teachers committees. She is also a former member of ETFO’s provincial anti-racist education and French as a Second Language committees. 

In 2007, Andrews was awarded ETFO’s Bev Saskoley Anti-Racist Scholarship and has been involved in advancing 2SLGBTQI+ rights and protections, in particular the right to security and full access to the benefits of others in society. 

“Diana’s long-standing commitment to social justice is evident in this book. Not only does it contribute to the growing appreciation and awareness in mainstream society of aspects of lesbianism, it also raises awareness of feminist sisterhood. We appreciate her efforts in helping to create safe and welcoming spaces for all,” says ETFO President Sam Hammond.

ETFO represents 83,000 elementary public school teachers, occasional teachers and education professionals across the province. Its Building Better Schools education agenda can be viewed at BuildingBetterSchools.ca. 

Media Contact: Carla Pereira, ETFO Media Relations, 416-576-9074 or cpereira@etfo.org.