Are you a 2SLGBTQ+ youth?
This tool for change is designed for you!
You could go public with what you want to change
✔ Organize a public event like a rally, a teach-in (virtual or in-person), a panel talk
A group of 2SLGBTQ+ high school students in a rural region in Southern Ontario advocate to Board of Trustees for more resources and funding within their schools.
✔ Write a public statement or open letter and distribute it publicly
A group of 2SLGBTQ+ youth who play sports were really tired of the lack of all-gender washrooms when they played tournaments at the community centres. They write an open letter to the Sports Association.
✔ Make a deputation to City Council
A group of 2SLGBTQ+ youth in a small city want there to be a Pride flag raising, so they plan to make a formal presentation (deputation) to City Council.
You could try to make the change happen yourself
✔ Run for an elected position so you can make change yourself
A 2SLGBTQ+ youth wants things to change on their reserve, so they decide to run for Band Council, with the support of their family and a Two-Spirit Elder.
✔ Start up a program or activity yourself
A group of 2SLGBTQ+ youth, after graduating from high school, can’t find any spaces to get together or meet other folks. They start up a grassroots meetup (online and in the library) once a month.
✔ Bring ideas to a group you are connected to already, such as your Gay-Straight Alliance
After reading about these cool queer book clubs online, a few 2SLGBTQ+ youth bring the idea to their school’s GSA, and decide to try out a book club there, by first asking the library to order more books by 2SLGBTQ+ authors.
Do you support 2SLGBTQ+ youth?
This tool for change is designed for you!
Looking for ideas or suggestions about how you can #DoBetter?
✔ Read through the 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Needs Assessment Reports, which can be accessed by visiting youthline.ca/publications
Almost 1200 2SLGBTQ+ across Ontario participated in this assessment, and they have a lot to say. The Needs Assessment Reports inform the Recommendations you read.
✔ Check out local services and supports for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in your community and/or region.
You can also check out LGBT YouthLine’s Resource Database, which lists services throughout Ontario.
✔ If you are affiliated with a school, organization, or other community space where youth often attend, consider ordering outreach materials from LGBT YouthLine so that youth know they can reach out to a peer for support, and are aware of our Peer Support HelpLine and other programs.
You can request outreach materials by visiting youthline.ca/mailouts
Setting the groundwork
✔ Work to build connections
✔ Check your assumptions: especially the assumption that you can claim yourself as an ally.
✔ Commit to continuous learning
✔ Be open to feedback, including critical feedback
Taking Action
✔ Follow 2SLGBTQ+ youth on what they want or need, and how you can support them.
✔ Recognize that your positionality makes it more feasible to take risks to identify homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and other forms of oppression.
✔ Think about how you can share knowledge and resources (e.g. pay youth, fund projects).
✔ Create dedicated opportunities for 2SLGBTQ+ youth to get involved with decision-making.
✔ Develop connections and relationships, and foster relationships amongst 2SLGBTQ+ youth.