On October 6th, the leadership team from LGBT YouthLine went to Parliament Hill to take part in the Queer Day of Action.
YouthLine was one of 45 2SLGBTQ+ and allied organizations from across the country who travelled to Ottawa to participate. This group is calling on the federal government to renew and strengthen the 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan before it expires in March 2027, helping ensure that queer and trans organizations nationwide receive the sustained funding they require to continue operating and serving Canadians.
“Without core funding and material commitments to help uphold the Charter rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, we are facing a dire crisis across the sector” warned YouthLine’s Executive Director Lauren Pragg.
“Many organizations have been forced to close” they explained. “Those that remain open have all too often been faced with reductions in staffing and services, and many have turned to emergency fundraising to keep essential programs open, YouthLine included.”
Resources like YouthLine’s peer support HelpLine remain vital supports for 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians, particularly in the face of rising discrimination. Funding cuts and declining donations continue to threaten the future of organizations like YouthLine across the country.
“When community organizations lose capacity, young people lose access to the supports they rely on. They are left alone to navigate the realities of higher suicide rates, houselessness, employment barriers, and addiction.”
Since 1993, YouthLine has provided anonymous peer support to queer and trans youth across Ontario. With a renewed federal investment in 2SLGBTQ organizations, we can look forward to a future where Canadian can continue accessing these life-changing services and resources for years to come.
LGBT YouthLine’s involvement in the Queer Day of Action was highlighted in CTV News’ coverage of the event. Click here to read the full article, including quotes from Lauren Pragg.
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