YouthLine Presents: 2SLGBTQ+ Service Provider Gatherings

Posted on November 1, 2021

2SLGBTQ+ service providers are wonderfully caring, incredibly strong and empathetic, and are absolutely in the best position to support 2SLGBTQ+ youth.

BUT, it’s also no secret within our communities that 2SLGBTQ+ service providers experience intense isolation, burnout, vicarious trauma, and systemic violence.

To better support 2SLGBTQ+ youth, we need space to support and connect with each other, to prioritize relationships community, and (re-)imagined futures.

This is why LGBT YouthLine is excited to announce our series of 3 online Gatherings for2SLGBTQ+ Service Providers who support 2SLGBTQ+ youth!

Sound intriguing? Want to know more? Be sure to check out the full details here.

Ready to apply? Click here.

What Are Gatherings?

Gatherings are week-long, online opportunities for 2SLGBTQ+ service providers who support 2SLGBTQ+ youth to come together and build connections and community, while engaging in deeper conversations around systemic challenges and different futures.

Each week-long Gathering will have a unique focus, and will invite service providers with specific identities and/or lived experiences to apply.

The planned Gatherings are as follows:

Northern, Rural, Small Town and Reserves: for 2SLGBTQ+ service providers who support 2SLGBTQ+ youth in northern, rural, small towns, and/or reserves in Ontario [January-February 2022]
Trans, Two Spirit, Non-Binary and Gender Diverse: for trans, Two Spirit, non-binary and gender diverse service providers who support 2SLGBTQ+ youth [February 2022]
Black, Indigenous and People of Colour: for 2SLGBTQ+ service providers who are Black, Indigenous and/or People of Colour, who support 2SLGBTQ+ youth [March 2022]

Who are these Gatherings for? Do I have to be a Youth?

These Gatherings are for 2SLGBTQ+ service providers who currently and directly support 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario as a staff member of an organization. As an example, this could include folks who work within shelter systems, harm reduction, youth work, health care, etc.

Please note that supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth does not need to be the primary mandate or the role or organization!

On top of the above eligibility, there is additional criteria specific to each Gathering focus area.

For example, folks who are applying to the Black, Indigenous and People of Colour Gathering must be Black, Indigenous and/or a Person of Colour.

Folks of all ages are invited to apply!

Please click here for more info about eligibility criteria.

Are there any fees to attend?

These Gatherings are completely free! This is possible due to generous funding from the Department of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE).

How do I apply?

Application Process:

To apply for one or more Gatherings, fill out an online application survey by clicking here, or by copy/pasting this link in your browser – www.surveymonkey.com/r/YLgatherings
The application survey will ask which Gathering(s) you’re interested in, eligibility questions, along with a series of general questions about your experiences and interests that will help us get to know you a bit better.
For a PDF copy of the questions that are asked in the online application survey, click here.
Due to limited spots applicants will not be accepted for more than one Gathering. However, if you are interested in more than one Gathering, you may apply and rank the Gatherings in order of preference. 
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until Jan. 9th, 2022 at 11:59pm EST. If you need more time or other accommodations to submit an application, please let us know.

Questions? Reach out to community@youthline.ca