It Gets Better CanadaIt Gets Better Canada“Being willing to engage with queer and transness as an ally is so important to make the queer people in your life feel supported and cared for. Taking the initiative to learn more is so important, without making the responsibility of the queer friend to offer you access to these spaces.” – A Trans Plenary Attendant
Trans Youth are facing an increasing number of barriers right now. From misinformation to policy change, trans youth are being forced to fight for a future that they are being excluded from. At It Gets Better Canada, we understand the importance of using storytelling to drive 2SLGBTQI+ youth voices to the forefront of important causes, and this is exactly what we set out to do…
In an effort to advocate for trans youth while amplifying their voices, It Gets Better Canada gathered an impressive roster of Trans Youth Voices from across Canada to gather for our very first in-person Trans Plenary.
The Trans Plenary consisted of a two-day gathering to inform our content development for our youth mental health app GLO, as well as our future in-person workshops.
We started the first day by creating space for the youth to share key insights to support our workshop curriculum. Through these insightful discussions, we decided to focus on answering these important questions:
On the second day, we began filming content for the upcoming GLO app module and content to support our workshops. Groups of two to three youth engaged in meaningful conversations, answering questions, sharing personal experiences, and providing advice for trans youth, students, and allied adults.
Trans youth find that there is a lack of community, a lack of third spaces, and a lack of diverse representation of different trans experiences and elder trans stories.
There is limited access to safe housing, resources, medical care, and gender affirming care for trans youth, as well as increased financial insecurity and food insecurity.
Gender Affirming Care (GAC) isn’t only surgical or medical interventions. GAC can be putting on makeup or dressing in a way that feels comfortable. Everyone engages with GAC.
“A rising tide lifts all boats”. When we support marginalized people in society, everyone benefits. It doesn’t take away from anyone else; it only makes things better for everyone else.
“Don’t hesitate to ask us how we would like for you to show up for us.” The best way to show up for trans youth is to ask how best you can support them and continue to learn as an ally.
For trans youth who are in a situation where they don’t have the safety to come out, it does not change the authenticity or validity of their identity and who they are.
We have exciting new content related to the Trans Plenary coming out soon. Sign up for our newsletter here, or follow us on socials to be the first to know when our Trans focused GLO module is launched, as well as our upcoming workshop offering.
