We can often see spaces that don’t support the full spectrum of youth identities. However, when a space is intentionally created with those identities in mind, it can completely shift a person’s sense of belonging.
Systemic underfunding and geographic isolation often result in a lack of resources, inclusive health programming, and trained staff required to support 2SLGBTQ+ youth. This can create spaces that are well-intentioned but miss out on important areas where true community and belonging can be built.
At Ever Active and IYMP, we identified this gap at Still We Rise, and created the Beyond the Binary chat. Designed alongside Auntie and Uncle chats, spaces where youth can learn from role models aligned with their identity, this space was intentionally created with gender diverse youth in mind, cultivating a space for youth to know that their full selves are celebrated and have space to be seen. In this container of connection, there was a youth who shared their chosen name, aligned pronouns and felt seen for the first time. There were youth who found the facilitator afterward to express that they had never had the opportunity to show up fully. This reinforced the value of centring equity-deserving youth voices at the heart of program development.
Still We Rise is one great example of our devotion to helping educators and youth feel more prepared and confident; it really showcased how Ever Active approaches building belonging and how that can have a direct and positive impact.
