Former educator and LGTBQ2S advocate Susan Rose has been awarded the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission’s (NLHRC) 2017 Human Rights Award.
Lt.-Gov. Frank Fagan and his wife Patricia Fagan presented the award in a ceremony at Government House Thursday afternoon
Rose is currently national vice-president of EGALE Human Rights Trust and lifelong advocate for lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, queer and two-spirit (LGTBQ2S) rights, protections and visibility in education and beyond.
As a teacher, the Human Rights Commission noted Rose wanted to improve the learning environment for both students and professionals during a time when there was little awareness of LGBTQ2S issues.
The commission said Rose’s work changed that, and lead to greater openness and awareness throughout the province through workshops, curricular reform and professional development.
“She convinced people, from teachers to government officials, to community members, of the importance of LGBTQ2S visibility and support. Susan has changed many lives, and likely inspired future human rights champions,” the commission’s vice-chair Kim Mackay said in a news release.
Also at the ceremony, Dr. Pauline Duke and Lloydetta Quaicoe were presented with certificates as human rights champions.
Quaicoe is founder and CEO of Sharing Our Cultures, an organization that works to address the needs of migrant children and fosters intercultural connections.
Duke is an award-winning physician, educator and advocate for refugee healthcare and is co-founder and a lead physician at the Refugee Health Intake Clinic.
Sunday is International Human Rights Day.
