Definitions
We know when we use definitions to define people that they are in flux and are changing. Instead we use definitions in this context to be transparent about the groups we are seeking to work with. The Sport for Life Society is committed to fostering an equitable partnership as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome expressions of interest from those who identify with presently and historically underrepresented groups such as diverse femme gender identities and racialized minorities. We understand these definitions can be seen as heavy, triggering or imposing. If these definitions do not align to your self-identification, you are welcome to contact us to discuss how you feel your program aligns. To sum up, these definitions are a framework to be as accessible and transparent as possible, however we understand you may still need clarification - join us for an information session on November 4, 2021 to ask any questions you may have.
Femme
Femme is most often a term used to describe a lesbian who exhibits a feminine identity. It is sometimes used by feminine gay men, bisexuals, and transgender individuals. The word femme itself comes from French and means 'woman' (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femme).
Gender Equity
The process of allocating resources, programs, and decision-making fairly to all genders without any discrimination on the basis of gender, and addressing any imbalances in the benefits available to people of different gender diverse idenities/expressionss (Source: https://womenandsport.ca/gender-equity/what-is-gender-equity/).
Newcomers
When using the term “newcomer” in this project, we are referring to people who have immigrated, migrated, seeked refuge or asylum in Canada.
Racialized
When we refer to the term racialized what we mean are groups in a Western context that have gone through racialization, which is a political process of ascribing ethnic or racial identities to a relationship, social practice, or group that may not identify itself as such. Therefore, Racialization often arises out of the interaction of a group with a group that it dominates and ascribes a racial identity for the purpose of continued domination and social exclusion; over time, the racialized and ethnicized group develop the society enforced construct that races are real, different and unequal in ways that matter to economic, political and social life. These processes have been common throughout the history of imperialism, nationalism, racial and ethnic hierarchies (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racialization).
Quality sport
Sport that is developmentally appropriate, safe and inclusive, and well run. Another way of saying this is that quality sport consists of good programs, led by good people, in good places. (Source: https://sportforlife.ca/quality-sport/).