DO BETTER:
2SLGBTQ+ Youth Recommendations
for Change in Ontario
In 2019, LGBT YouthLine’s Provincial Youth Ambassador Project (PYAP) brought together 18 2SLGBTQ+ youth from across Ontario to lead an assessment about the experiences and needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth (29 and under) in Ontario.
The PYAP Youth Ambassadors worked together to develop the entire process, from drafting the survey questions to moderating the sharing circles. The Youth Ambassadors finalized methods and timelines in June, and began collecting responses in July.
Almost 1,200 youth participated through an online survey and in person community sharing circles between July-September 2019.
With the support of Anu, research consultant, the Youth Ambassadors analyzed and coded the responses in November. The results from the assessment are powerful and speak to the immediate and future needs of our communities while also amplifying the resilience of 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
In February 2020, 6 reports highlighting the results were released through an 11-city tour across Ontario.
Read the Snapshot Reports
A Summary Report
Racialized 2SLGBTQ+ Youth
Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ Youth
Northern 2SLGBTQ+ Youth
Trans, Nonbinary and Gender Diverse Youth
2SLGBTQ+ Youth Under 18
2SLGBTQ+ Needs Assessment Leads to Seven Recommendations to #DoBetter
At each of the Needs Assessment launch events, we encouraged participants to dream about futures that prioritized 2SLGBTQ+ youth. These ideas were brought to Youth Ambassadors who then helped shape the 7 recommendations you will read.
2SLGBTQ+ youth across Ontario shared a multitude of perspectives. Their experiences, needs and recommendations vary depending on where in the province they live, as well as their specific identities. To honour these perspectives, the recommendations are framed in such a way that they can be applied anywhere in Ontario. If put into action right away with the leadership of 2SLGBTQ+ youth, these recommendations can directly impact 2SLGBTQ+ youth lives and futures.
Recommendation 1:
Redesign health system services and programs for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, especially mental health services & care for trans youth.
Recommendation 2:
In suburbs, smaller cities, towns and on reserves, intentionally dedicate resources (space, time, energy) and funding to directly support 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
Recommendation 3:
Develop mechanisms for grassroots 2SLGBTQ+ youth organizing to access much-needed resources and supports.
Recommendation 4:
Meaningful involvement of 2SLGBTQ+ youth (especially racialized and Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ youth) in decision-making at the local, regional and provincial levels.
Recommendation 5:
Proactive efforts to increase 2SLGBTQ+ youth representation in positions of power and influence.
Recommendation 6:
Mandate change in building/facility standards to have safe, accessible, all-gender washrooms in all public spaces in Ontario, including on reserves.
Recommendation 7:
Comprehensive & ongoing training and capacity-building focused on supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth, and challenging homo/bi/transphobia and racism.
Taking Action
Are you a 2SLGBTQ+ Youth?
You can use these recommendations (and all the PYAP Needs Assessment Reports) as more proof of what you have been saying already!
We’ve designed a tool with ideas, resources, and self-reflection questions to help you get started!
Are you a supporter of 2SLGBTQ+ Youth?
Looking for ideas or suggestions about how you can #DoBetter?
We’ve designed a tool with ideas, resources, and self-reflection questions to help you get started!