Around the world, June is Pride month. It’s a month that celebrates the beauty of the rainbow of identities in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, a chance to remember and honor the advocacy, work and protests of our communities’ past, and the recognition that there’s still so much work to do.
Just one of the many areas of this work focusses on the creation of programs and initiatives that meaningfully address 2SLGBTQ+ youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Recent statistics show just how significant this problem is, with 25-40% of youth experiencing homelessness across North America identifying as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. This article from the Huffington Post further dives into the reasons why so many of our community’s youth are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Source: Infographic from The519: Space For Change
The struggles these youth face have also been further compounded by the isolation created by the pandemic, and we are just beginning to understand the impacts that COVID-19 has had and will have on populations, such as 2SLGBTQ+ homeless youth. Abramovich, who has built up relationships with Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ youth over more than a decade of field work, has begun a new research project specific to COVID-19’s effect on 2SLGBTQ+ youth at risk of homelessness or experiencing it across the Greater Toronto Area and as far afield as Guelph and London, Ontario. Initial findings shared in a Canada’s National Observer article point to youth being forced back to homes that are not safe places for them, however, more research is required to fully understand the additional strains that COVID-19 have put on 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
In continuing to tell the stories of our community, 2SLGBTQ+ youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness are one part of our story, and like anyone, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation are only parts of our identities. Telling our stories also means talking about our work, our expertise and passions, and our families. This month the #WhatsYourSparkBlog welcomes a number of guest bloggers who represent just a small part of the tapestry that weave together to tell our community’s narrative.
How Can I Help/Get Involved?
Aura is a housing first program for youth (ages 14 to 24) in Calgary that works alongside 2SLGBTQ+, gender nonbinary and gender nonconforming youth who are at risk of or are currently experiencing homelessness. Learn more about Aura and consider donating here.
Calgary Outlink offers a unique and innovation 2SLGBTQ+ Peer Mentorship Program that provides support, guidance on navigating life as an 2SLGBTQ+ person, and an opportunity for connection with community through one-on-one mentorship for anyone 13+. Learn more and consider donating here.
Friends of Ruby Home is Canada’s first custom-built transitional housing facility for 2SLGBTQ+ youth (ages 16-29) and dedicated to progressive well-being through mental health services, social services and housing. Learn more and consider donating here.