RECOMMENDATION 2
Recommendation 2:
In suburbs, smaller cities, towns and on reserves, intentionally dedicate resources (space, time, energy) and funding to directly support 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
The Problem:
There are not enough supports for 2SLGBTQ+ youth outside of big cities, and funding opportunities continue to be centralized in urban spaces.
2SLGBTQ+ youth identified spaces to gather and ongoing community events as top needs. Too often though, community organizations, leaders (including elected officials) and institutions say that there are not enough resources or funding.
In order to make change happen, organizations, leaders and institutions must take seriously their responsibility to 2SLGBTQ+ youth in their community. This includes school boards, Councils, funders, social service organizations, government agencies, shelters and more.
Making 2SLGBTQ+ youth a priority group means reviewing decisions on how resources are allocated, including incorporating the needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth in all budget conversations.
What 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Are Saying
“Inclusive community hubs which serve all minorities and marginalized people with needs such as; mental health support, dynamic physical health teams, local events, education and artistic expression.”
— 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Simcoe County
“[I want to] see more funding for pride events in the rural parts of my county.”
— 2SLGBTQ+ youth in rural southwestern Ontario
“Funding to 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations is crucial to having more accessible and safe options. Also increasing trans friendly shelters is needed.”
— 2SLGBTQ+ trans youth in Hamilton
2SLGBTQ+ youth, especially racialized and Indigenous youth, must be involved in discussions, decisions and implementation of how to allocate resources and funding.
“Focus on distribution of resources to marginalized populations and those in poverty.”
— 2SLGBTQ+ youth in London
“The "youth-led services" we had were ACTUALLY youth-led.”
— Nonbinary/Gender Queer/Gender Non-Conforming 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Haliburton
“Smaller community events that can eventually lead into larger groups when you feel more comfortable.”
— 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Northern Ontario
“Social networking opportunities and events outside of pride month.”
— 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Northern Ontario
Ideas to #DoBetter
Local library plans to purchase a minimum number of books by 2SLGBTQ+ authors every year. The library board sets up a 2SLGBTQ+ selection committee, which includes 2SLGBTQ+ youth, to make suggestions, review potential purchases, and advises on programming possibilities to engage 2SLGBTQ+ authors and local 2SLGBTQ+ community members.
The one immigration settlement agency in a small town invites project ideas from immigrant, refugee and non-status 2SLGBTQ+ youth all year round. These youth are encouraged to think of ways to feel more connected to each other and their community. The settlement agency provides each project idea with space in the program room, staff support, a budget to buy supplies, and promotions support. At the end of the year, all of the projects are highlighted in the Annual Report, and all 2SLGBTQ+ youth involved are invited to a celebration.
Band Council is reviewing budgets for the upcoming year. Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ youth are invited to a series of community meetings, where they are asked about their needs.
United Way or local community foundation reviews its funding priorities, recognizing that 2SLGBTQ+ youth have been under-served. They establish a new focus area, and report publicly to the community how many dollars they have invested in 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
Public school board creates a funding stream for 2SLGBTQ+ youth supports, especially for schools that do not have a GSA. 2SLGBTQ+ youth are invited to use the board office for community events, and are given the display case every quarter to showcase things they are working on.