Steinbach-area mom threatened after request for more LGBT openness in school

A mother in the Steinbach area is dealing with backlash after she asked for same-sex relationships to be part of the school's lessons around family diversity. CBC is not naming the town where she lives to protect the identity of her child.

• Steinbach-area mom shocked that school division prohibits conversations around sexual orientation

Last week Michelle McHale made a request to the Hanover School Divisionboard of trustees that it abandon rules preventing teachers in grades fiveto eight from talking about homosexuality in the classroom.

Over the weekend McHale received messages of support from the community, but others have been threatening.

"I knew there would be backlash. I am perhaps surprised how impassioned people got, and so soon," said McHale.

The most shocking of the online comments came from Facebook where one person posted "Can we just kill her please?"

McHale reported the comment to police, but said she feels the risk to her is low because the man who posted it lives in the United States. However, other negative online commentsare coming from her community, she said.

"There are some arguments being put forward that are completely absurd, like that somehow [talking about]same-sex relationships, sexual orientation oridentity will open the floodgates for pedophiliaor bestialityto be discussed in schoolstoo," saidMcHale.

Focusing on the positive

Other online comments have been hurtful and false, but McHale said sheis focusing on the positive.

"There have been so many in support of this. One beautifully diverse group from rural [Manitoba]sent the most beautiful picture and stated their support. I have received support from people across the country," she said.

Personal messages have also been uplifting, saidMcHale.

Several church leaders in the area have also reached out to her and offered their support, she said.

"Overall, people are coming forward with stories of struggle in the school system as people who identify as LGBTTQ*," said McHale.

"They feel hopeful that the school environments can be changed and that we will have safer spaces for kids."

In an email to CBC Manitoba, Hanover School Division said it is considering McHale's request but declined to provide further information at this time.