2SLGBTQ+ Youth Recommendations for Change in Ontario

Posted on March 4, 2021

After much anticipation, we are excited to announce the release of “Do Better: 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Recommendations for Change in Ontario.” This report draws from LGBT YouthLine’s Needs Assessment, “We’re Here: 2SLGBTQ+ Youth across Ontario Assert Needs and Experiences,” where almost 1,200 2SLGBTQ+ youth from across Ontario shared their experiences, dreams, and demands for change.

The report details seven recommendations calling on organizations, government, service providers, educators, health care professionals, and community leaders in Ontario to #DoBetter to support 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario.

The seven recommendations are:

Redesign health system services and programs for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, especially mental health services & care for trans youth
In suburbs, smaller cities, towns and on reserves, intentionally dedicate resources (space, time, energy) and funding to directly support 2SLGBTQ+ youth
Develop mechanisms for grassroots 2SLGBTQ+ youth organizing to access much-needed resources and supports
Meaningful involvement of 2SLGBTQ+ youth (especially racialized and Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ youth) in decision-making at the local, regional and provincial levels
Proactive efforts to increase 2SLGBTQ+ youth representation in positions of power and influence
Mandate change in building/facility standards to have safe, accessible, all-gender washrooms in all public spaces in Ontario, including on reserves
Comprehensive and ongoing training and capacity-building focused on supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth, and challenging homo/bi/transphobia and racism.

For more details about each of these recommendations and how you can take action, visit dobetter.youthline.ca.

View our full Press Release Statement here

Virtual Launch Tour

While we wish we could gather in person for the launch of this report, we are excited to announce a virtual launch tour in April 2021! Join YouthLine for one or more panels focused on the seven recommendations, while learning from a 2SLGBTQ+ youth panel.

As named below, each launch has a focus area. While each launch will provide a similar short overview of the seven recommendations, the panelists, guest moderator and focus area will be different. We encourage you to register for one or more of the launches, depending on area of work and/or interest.

Launches are open to everyone, and free to attend! We strongly encourage service providers, educators, health care professional, politicians and community leaders across Ontario to attend.

For more information about a launch event and/or to register, click below:

Social Services Focus – Tuesday April 20, 1:00-2:00pm (EST)
Health Care Focus – Wednesday April 21, 1:00-2:00pm (EST)
Education Focus – Thursday April 22, 3:30-4:30pm (EST)
Northern and Rural Focus – Tuesday April 27, 1:00-2:00pm (EST)
Trans and Gender Diverse Focus – Thursday April 29, 1:00-2:00pm (EST)

A special “Youth Only” Launch will also be held! This space is exclusively for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario who are 29 and under.

Youth Only – Friday April 30, 7:00-9:00pm (EST)

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out to: Hayley Moody, Manager of Engagement and Partnerships at HayleyM@youthline.ca, or Berkha Gupta, Executive Director, at BerkhaG@youthline.ca.