Youth Award Winners 2016

Youth Award Winners 2016

Here are our winners for 2016!                        

Tatiana Ferguson is a trans woman of color better known as Buttercup in Toronto's LGBTQ2S community. As a Sexual Health Educator, Group Facilitator and Trans Advocate she has been a youth leader in Toronto's LGBTQ youth community since she first arrived from the Bahamas in August 2014. With strong beliefs in the importance of trans visibility and the inclusion of POC in developing and promoting programs and services for LGBTQ youth, her achievements have included completing the Support Our Youth (SOY)'s Human Rights Equity and Access Team (HEAT) training, participating in St. James Town Community's Youth Network's Youth Day, moderating the LGBTQ+ newcomer panel at Sherbourne Health Centre, presenting at the Canadian Council for Refugees Youth Gathering in Vancouver and being a panelist for Sick Kids' Pride Week event. She was also the Stage Manager for the Black Queer Youth (BQY) stage at Pride 2016. Most noteworthy is Tatiana's leadership in the inception and creation of Perception, a support group for newcomers, refugees and asylum seekers at EGALE Youth Outreach.

Outstanding Achievements in Queer Activism – Tatiana Ferguson

Tatiana Ferguson (Buttercup) is a trans woman of color in Toronto’s LGBTQ2S community. As a Sexual Health Educator, Group Facilitator and Trans Advocate she has been a youth leader in Toronto’s LGBTQ youth community since she first arrived from the Bahamas in August 2014. With strong beliefs in the importance of trans visibility and the inclusion of POC in developing and promoting programs and services for LGBTQ youth, her achievements have included completing the Support Our Youth (SOY)’s Human Rights Equity and Access Team (HEAT) training, participating in St. James Town Community’s Youth Network’s Youth Day, moderating the LGBTQ+ newcomer panel at Sherbourne Health Centre, presenting at the Canadian Council for Refugees Youth Gathering in Vancouver and being a panelist for Sick Kids’ Pride Week event. She was also the Stage Manager for the Black Queer Youth (BQY) stage at Pride 2016. Most noteworthy is Tatiana’s leadership in the inception and creation of Perception, a support group for newcomers, refugees and asylum seekers at EGALE Youth Outreach.

 Aédan identifies as asexual genderqueer and is an active member of Sudbury’s LGBTTIQQ2SA community. As the Project and Volunteer Manager at Myths and Mirrors Community Arts, he’s co-founded Artistes Trans Artistry (ATA), a collaborative project between Myths and Mirrors and TG Innerselves, northern Ontario’s transgender support service. ATA offers transgender people a safe, confidential, and inclusive space to explore and create through free, drop-in arts workshops. Aédan also played a vital role in expanding Myths and Mirrors’ presence at Fierté Sudbury Pride, raising awareness of LGBTTIQQ2SA issues, and highlighting Sudbury’s unique LGBTTIQQ2SA history. He is also the co-founder of a transgender support group for the Francophone community at the Centre de santé communautaire du Grand Sudbury, as well as an emerging queer artist and photographer.

Outstanding Achievements in Trans Activism – Aédan D. Charest

Aédan identifies as asexual genderqueer and is an active member of Sudbury’s LGBTTIQQ2SA community. As the Project and Volunteer Manager at Myths and Mirrors Community Arts, he’s co-founded Artistes Trans Artistry (ATA), a collaborative project between Myths and Mirrors and TG Innerselves, northern Ontario’s transgender support service. ATA offers transgender people a safe, confidential, and inclusive space to explore and create through free, drop-in arts workshops. Aédan also played a vital role in expanding Myths and Mirrors’ presence at Fierté Sudbury Pride, raising awareness of LGBTTIQQ2SA issues, and highlighting Sudbury’s unique LGBTTIQQ2SA history. He is also the co-founder of a transgender support group for the Francophone community at the Centre de santé communautaire du Grand Sudbury, as well as an emerging queer artist and photographer.

 

 Adam is the co-founder of “Books Breaking Barriers” and “Books Between Areas”, which focus on providing inmates with reading materials to further improve reading comprehension. These initiatives have led to the development of a separate sector, which focuses on providing LGBTQ reading materials to LGBTQ inmates. In addition, they are also able to access a pen pal service that can create networking opportunities with LGBTQ communities outside. Adam is also involved with the Youth United Black Students’ Alliance (YUBSA) where he educates African Canadian students’ on the importance of acceptance. He is a mentor to LGBTQ youth of colour in Mississauga, and has really focused on bringing issues surrounding culture, history, equity and equality into York University. Adam’s goal is to challenge and surpass barriers to ensure that everyone has access to human rights through focusing on community building and education.

Outstanding Achievements in BIPOC Activism – Adam Lake

Adam is the co-founder of “Books Breaking Barriers” and “Books Between Areas”, which focus on providing inmates with reading materials to further improve reading comprehension. These initiatives have led to the development of a separate sector, which focuses on providing LGBTQ reading materials to LGBTQ inmates. In addition, they are also able to access a pen pal service that can create networking opportunities with LGBTQ communities outside. Adam is also involved with the Youth United Black Students’ Alliance (YUBSA) where he educates African Canadian students’ on the importance of acceptance. He is a mentor to LGBTQ youth of colour in Mississauga, and has really focused on bringing issues surrounding culture, history, equity and equality into York University. Adam’s goal is to challenge and surpass barriers to ensure that everyone has access to human rights through focusing on community building and education.

 

Emma is a 17-year-old Anishinaabe Two-Spirit person living in Tkaronto. They have been known to (continuously) correct both their sex education and history teachers on issues of Indigenous sovereignty, settler colonialism, gender and sexuality, reproductive health, and more. Emma has spent most of their schooling experience creating intentional spaces for other students like themself through campaigning for a gender neutral washroom in their middle school (which they now have), chairing their Queer Straight Alliance, working with their high school’s student council, and advocating for Two-Spirit and Indigenous students to their teachers, staff and administration. They speak honestly and candidly about the experiences of queer and Indigenous youth in Tkaronto schools often having to remind settlers that Indigenous peoples are still here, right beside them. From volunteering to childcare, from active listening to facilitating to a room full of professionals, from creating art centred on Indigenous resiliency to advocating for safer spaces so Indigenous queer and trans students can breathe, Emma is both inspirational and resilient, both tender and fierce, both an advocate and a learner.

Outstanding Achievements in Secondary Academic Environment – Emma Antoine Allan

Emma is a 17-year-old Anishinaabe Two-Spirit person living in Tkaronto. They have been known to (continuously) correct both their sex education and history teachers on issues of Indigenous sovereignty, settler colonialism, gender and sexuality, reproductive health, and more. Emma has spent most of their schooling experience creating intentional spaces for other students like themself through campaigning for a gender neutral washroom in their middle school (which they now have), chairing their Queer Straight Alliance, working with their high school’s student council, and advocating for Two-Spirit and Indigenous students to their teachers, staff and administration. They speak honestly and candidly about the experiences of queer and Indigenous youth in Tkaronto schools often having to remind settlers that Indigenous peoples are still here, right beside them. From volunteering to childcare, from active listening to facilitating to a room full of professionals, from creating art centred on Indigenous resiliency to advocating for safer spaces so Indigenous queer and trans students can breathe, Emma is both inspirational and resilient, both tender and fierce, both an advocate and a learner.

 

Sabrina Scott is a gender/queer artist, activist and academic residing in Toronto, who studies, lectures, and presents their art within Ontario, throughout Canada, and overseas. Their Master’s thesis, Witchbody, is described as a “synthesis of autoethnography, magic theory, and philosophical speculation.” Witchbody’s 300 copies sold out of publication within its first year and was nominated for a 2016 Doug Wright Spotlight Award. It combines environmental learning and advocacy with invitations to self reflect on relationships we hold with ourselves as spiritual beings. What sets Sabrina’s work from most academia is its intentional accessibility focused on reaching audiences across race, gender, and class.

Outstanding Achievements in Post-Secondary Academic Environment – Sabrina Scott

Sabrina Scott is a gender/queer artist, activist and academic residing in Toronto, who studies, lectures, and presents their art within Ontario, throughout Canada, and overseas. Their Master’s thesis, Witchbody, is described as a “synthesis of autoethnography, magic theory, and philosophical speculation.” Witchbody’s 300 copies sold out of publication within its first year and was nominated for a 2016 Doug Wright Spotlight Award. It combines environmental learning and advocacy with invitations to self reflect on relationships we hold with ourselves as spiritual beings. What sets Sabrina’s work from most academia is its intentional accessibility focused on reaching audiences across race, gender, and class.

 Sage is a demiromantic, demisexual, pansexual, nonbinary Deaf community activist and artist, who supports the Deaf community, particularly LGBTQ+ Deaf youth. Knowing Deaf community is particularly vulnerable to barriers around education, employment, and health services, Sage has positioned themself to use their education, artistry, and particular brand of unstoppable resourcefulness to advocate for members of the Deaf community (particularly those who are most marginalized). This includes being involved with the Ontario Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf, Hands On ASL!, Deaf Spectrum, George Brown College, Sage has worked tirelessly as an advocate, leader, and bridge between Deaf community and organizations that have policies and procedures rooted in audism and ableism.

Outstanding Achievements in Social and Health Services – Sage Lovell

Sage is a demiromantic, demisexual, pansexual, nonbinary Deaf community activist and artist, who supports the Deaf community, particularly LGBTQ+ Deaf youth. Knowing Deaf community is particularly vulnerable to barriers around education, employment, and health services, Sage has positioned themself to use their education, artistry, and particular brand of unstoppable resourcefulness to advocate for members of the Deaf community (particularly those who are most marginalized). This includes being involved with the Ontario Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf, Hands On ASL!, Deaf Spectrum, George Brown College, Sage has worked tirelessly as an advocate, leader, and bridge between Deaf community and organizations that have policies and procedures rooted in audism and ableism.

 Naty Tremblay has been an independent artists and community collaborator for over 10 years. They are the co-founder and Executive Director of The People Project and also the Program Coordinator at Sketch. As a longtime supporter of Krafty Queers, we ask them to come on stage to present the award for Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Culture.

Outstanding Achievements in Arts and Culture – Krafty Queers

Krafty Queers is a space for queer and trans* youth 16-29 to Konnect & Kreate. Founded by Afi Browne in 2011, Krafty Queers has grown to become a highly accessible arts and krafts program for LGBTQ* youth across the GTA. With the primary purpose of reducing social isolation and building self-esteem and resiliency, Krafty Queers creates spaces for LGBTQ* youth to connect, create and heal from trauma associated with homophobia and racism. Krafty Queers has made outstanding contributions to the arts & culture sector, have created outstanding spaces for LGBTQ youth, and have modelled an incredibly important way to organize and support community.

ODE: Remembered Voices is an Indigenous 2 Spirit/LGBTQ+ Youth led group in Toronto that began three years ago to create a safe, inclusive space for youth also experiencing homelessness. As an Indigenous 2 Spirit grassroots group we are here to make sure all our voices are remembered and heard. Our program is open to anyone Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Metis) and 2 Spirit/LGBTQ+ people who come from Toronto or different areas of the country and are wanting a safe

Outstanding Achievements in Social Justice and Community Empowerment – ODE: Remembered Voices

ODE: Remembered Voices is an Indigenous 2 Spirit/LGBTQ+ Youth led group in Toronto that began three years ago to create a safe, inclusive space for youth also experiencing homelessness. As an Indigenous 2 Spirit grassroots group we are here to make sure all our voices are remembered and heard. Our program is open to anyone Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Metis) and 2 Spirit/LGBTQ+ people who come from Toronto or different areas of the country and are wanting a safe

Commendations…

 Elijah is an onkwehonwe (Mohawk) Two-Spirit six year old that has been inspiring community since before they were born. In their young age, they have continuously, sometimes out of necessity, educated members of their community about what it means to be Two-Spirit and onkwehonwe. They have been educating their non-Indigenous peers, teachers and staff, about Indigenous peoples, anti-racism, non-binary and Two-Spirit genders, and more. Elijah is an aspiring actor, artist and educator. They are able to articulate so much about the importance of Indigenous sovereignty, respecting the original people of these territories, caring for Two-Spirit people and our relatives (the land, water, air and animals) and so much more. They are often creating a smile on everyone’s face, being loudly and proudly themself and allowing others in their community to be as well. They are often found at the playground explaining to other kids that they are more than two genders, that racism and sexism are not cool, but mostly wanting to use the swing if you’re done with it.

Up and Coming – Elijah Koleszar-Green

Elijah is an onkwehonwe (Mohawk) Two-Spirit six year old that has been inspiring community since before they were born. In their young age, they have continuously, sometimes out of necessity, educated members of their community about what it means to be Two-Spirit and onkwehonwe. They have been educating their non-Indigenous peers, teachers and staff, about Indigenous peoples, anti-racism, non-binary and Two-Spirit genders, and more. Elijah is an aspiring actor, artist and educator. They are able to articulate so much about the importance of Indigenous sovereignty, respecting the original people of these territories, caring for Two-Spirit people and our relatives (the land, water, air and animals) and so much more. They are often creating a smile on everyone’s face, being loudly and proudly themself and allowing others in their community to be as well. They are often found at the playground explaining to other kids that they are more than two genders, that racism and sexism are not cool, but mostly wanting to use the swing if you’re done with it.

 

 Shane generously shares his many gifts in organizing, educating, advocating, supporting, and in the Arts through his exemplary interpersonal, professional, and community relations - for the good of all people. Shane is a two-spirit and trans youth living on his home territories, who is learning his language and lives his cultures, upholding Anishinaabe values. Shane has been involved with the Native Youth Sexual Health Network since 2008, working alongside core organizers in creating and shaping the organization. He’s been a vital part of the Youth Line, as volunteer and staff, for over 9 years. Shane is also currently co-coordinating multiple, inter-generational community-based creative projects by and for Two-Spirit people, including Two-Spirit children. Shane’s contributions are hard to list, largely unrecognized, though thoroughly felt by anyone that he has worked with. Given that two of the youngest people celebrated tonight are mentored/supported by him are a testament to his leadership and dedication to his communities.

Two-Spirit Activism – Shane Camastro

Shane generously shares his many gifts in organizing, educating, advocating, supporting, and in the Arts through his exemplary interpersonal, professional, and community relations – for the good of all people. Shane is a two-spirit and trans youth living on his home territories, who is learning his language and lives his cultures, upholding Anishinaabe values. Shane has been involved with the Native Youth Sexual Health Network since 2008, working alongside core organizers in creating and shaping the organization. He’s been a vital part of the Youth Line, as volunteer and staff, for over 9 years. Shane is also currently co-coordinating multiple, inter-generational community-based creative projects by and for Two-Spirit people, including Two-Spirit children. Shane’s contributions are hard to list, largely unrecognized, though thoroughly felt by anyone that he has worked with. Given that two of the youngest people celebrated tonight are mentored/supported by him are a testament to his leadership and dedication to his communities.