On Wednesday Many Students Wore Pink. But Advocates Say Lgbtq Youth Need Support All Year

Many hours were spent on the artwork, messages and decorations in pink that enliven the halls of Toronto Elementary School. twinkling streamers hung from the gym roof and students and staff practiced their speeches and performances. The entire school community participated in the event held on Wednesday, the annual day to combat homophobia, transphobia, bullying and discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community. “It feels like an important day because it’s an important day,” said 13-year-old Sebastien Carter, an 8th grader who was excited about the kind of personal concentration COVID-19 was taking away from students. Young LGBTQ individuals are a population deeply affected by ongoing COVID-19 interpersonal learning disorders, as the school is a place where many find safe spaces between peers and teachers. Faced with pandemic measures advising distance and isolation, some business students and educators have created vibrant LGBTQ communities online. However, as the potential for a return to pre-pandemic life grows, advocates urge decision-makers to keep their focus on young LGBTQs, the challenges and support they need. Liv Gienapp-Svenneby, left, and Sebastien Carter were among the students who spent hours planning and practicing for Wednesday’s event. (Alex Lupul / CBC)
“We need to talk about discrimination – and a lot of people don’t want to talk about it and they don’t want to say anything – but it’s an important issue and we need to share it,” Carter said. “Ignoring it makes it an even bigger problem,” added Liv Gienapp-Svenneby, a 7th grader. The 12-year-old certified Bowmore’s Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) as a place for students to learn about LGBTQ issues and experiences, as well as something that changed the school atmosphere. Some discussions “may be awkward, but if we did not [the QSA]”It would be even worse,” they said. Working to ensure that students have places to learn and engage in these sometimes awkward discussions remains at the heart of Toronto High School teacher Kevin Doe. Toronto High School teacher Kevin Doe helped establish the Toronto County School Board’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance online during the pandemic. (Alex Lupul / CBC)
During the pandemic, the social sciences and English teacher helped shift the Gender Alliance (GSA) teams to an online site for the Toronto District School Committee.
“Teachers know that schools are safe places for many students and that their life at home may seem different than at school,” he said. “We recognized that in our conversations with the students, when they talked about the challenges they faced with their families or the challenges they faced, they did not connect with their peers or friends. “We know that people with two spirits, trans and queer BIPOC, in particular, need a place to connect outside the home.” 7th and 8th graders attend the International Pink Day 2022 meeting at Bowmore Road Junior and Senior Public School. (Alex Lupul / CBC)
This is repeated by Trevor Goodyear, a registered nurse and PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia. He is part of a team that monitors the mental health of diverse Canadians – including LGBTQ people – during the pandemic. “We have seen many young people feel more isolated and perhaps less supported [services] otherwise they may have access, “he said. Goodyear and colleagues found that, compared to heterosexuals, LGBTQ adults in Canada were more likely to misunderstand the pandemic, have suicidal thoughts, and use substances as a means of coping. Recent reports from American researchers and peers have found similar trends among young LGBTQs, he said. “When we look at some of the effects of the pandemic on mental health and the necessary restrictions on public health, young LGBTQ people are a particularly affected group,” he said. “That being said, this is a team that is very strong and resilient and can be very well supported by our schools and communities – and I encourage schools to really play this important and valuable role in supporting and protecting [their] wellness.” Registered nurse Trevor Goodyear, who has a background in mental health care for LGBTQ youth, is currently investigating how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of diverse populations, including LGBTQ individuals. (Submitted by Trevor Goodyear)

Students lead the change

In the midst of the pandemic, Doe, the TDSB teacher, has seen a culture change in students who support equality and inclusion. “Since the beginning of the school year, I have noticed that my students are introduced to their nicknames, something that has not happened before,” he said. “Their fingers are on the pulse. They know the terminology. They know the issues. They want to go deeper.” While bullying in schools has unfortunately been followed on the Internet and “we still know there is work to be done”, Doe is refreshed by the energy of the students. “They are excited that they are personal, they are excited and ready to jump on new initiatives.” Young LGBTQ people still face bullying or bullying at school, but the very fact that the school exists as a place where a student is independent and surrounded by other young people is key, said Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, executive director of Canadian based in Ottawa. Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity. “It’s this peer-to-peer mechanism that is so critical … And what the pandemic did to so many people cut it short,” he explained. While saying she felt isolated in the midst of COVID-19, Owusu-Akyeeah noted that as an adult in her home, “I can connect with my friends” and not worry if I say the word “lesbian” that someone is going to hurt. ». “While these young people, even when they were at home, even when some of these resources moved to the Internet, still face challenges,” he said. “It simply came to our notice then. “It made joining gay straight alliances — even real — very challenging for some young people.” CLOCKS LGBTQ building an online youth community through TikTok, Discord:

“Durable and versatile” young LBGTQ builds online community within COVID-19

Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, executive director of the Canadian Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity, discusses the valuable online communities that young LGBTQs have created in the midst of the pandemic and how it inspires change in organizations that support them. 1:51
However, Owusu-Akyeeah is inspired by the ingenuity of how youth and LGBTQ organizations have found new ways to connect. Colleagues of the Ontario-based LGBT Youth Line, for example, quickly switched to text services and online services – and immediately saw an upsurge in young people contacting them through these new streets, he said. Owusu-Akyeeah said she is also dazzled by young people using platforms such as Discord, TikTok and Instagram to create new LGBTQ communities and discussion spaces. This fearless behavior offers lessons to both services that serve this population on how best to approach them, as well as to school and government officials at all levels of what these young people want and need, Owusu-Akyeeah said. Adult decision-makers need to be “more proactive and less reactionary” in addressing issues that affect this group, he added, as nearly one-third of LGBTQ Canadians are under the age of 25, according to Statistics Canada. “I want to see bold, collective efforts to make sure we prevent and ensure that young people are protected and supported.”

More than a 1 day event

At Henry G. Izatt High School in Winnipeg, 9th graders designing t-shirts for a classroom program focused their efforts on two LGBTQ themes: Pride Celebration and International Rose Day. The students led the process from the beginning, said teacher Alyssa Caughy – from BIPOC students discussing how to express unity in their logo design, to a trans student who emphasized the use of gender-neutral language. Caughy said she was “living the teacher’s dream” simply by being able to guide their passion for the project. “I have to take a step back and learn from them,” he said. Although a blizzard closed most schools in Manitoba on Wednesday, students, teachers and families at Henry G. Izatt High School in Winnipeg were wearing International Pink Day T-shirts designed by 9th graders, says teacher Cauy Aly. (Submitted by Alyssa Caughy)
The choice of International Rose Day as a theme simply made sense, said 14-year-old student Trinity Frank. “Pink Day – has to do with everyone’s differences and how everyone should be treated equally,” they said. “We live somewhat with inclusion and equality because we are a very different group. So it meant a lot to us to be able to show it to people and have a visual representation.” For Trinity Frank and his classmates, International Rose Day was a natural choice for a t-shirt theme. “We live somewhat with integration and equality because we are a very different group. “So it meant a lot to us to be able to show that,” said Frank, who was spotted here at his home in Winnipeg on Wednesday with their dog, Storm. (Submitted by Trinity Frank)
A monster-sized storm eventually destroyed the school’s plans to mark Wednesday, although some wore T-shirts during distance education. However, Caughy believes the belated celebration – hopefully next week – underscores that the values ​​expressed on International Rose Day go beyond a one-time event. “We wear pink on Pink Day, but the attitudes and beliefs that are represented …

title: “On Wednesday Many Students Wore Pink. But Advocates Say Lgbtq Youth Need Support All Year " ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-23” author: “Larry Genung”

Many hours were spent on the artwork, messages and decorations in pink that enliven the halls of Toronto Elementary School. twinkling streamers hung from the gym roof and students and staff practiced their speeches and performances. The entire school community participated in the event held on Wednesday, the annual day to combat homophobia, transphobia, bullying and discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community. “It feels like an important day because it’s an important day,” said 13-year-old Sebastien Carter, an 8th grader who was excited about the kind of personal concentration COVID-19 was taking away from students. Young LGBTQ individuals are a population deeply affected by ongoing COVID-19 interpersonal learning disorders, as the school is a place where many find safe spaces between peers and teachers. Faced with pandemic measures advising distance and isolation, some business students and educators have created vibrant LGBTQ communities online. However, as the potential for a return to pre-pandemic life grows, advocates urge decision-makers to keep their focus on young LGBTQs, the challenges and support they need. Liv Gienapp-Svenneby, left, and Sebastien Carter were among the students who spent hours planning and practicing for Wednesday’s event. (Alex Lupul / CBC)
“We need to talk about discrimination – and a lot of people don’t want to talk about it and they don’t want to say anything – but it’s an important issue and we need to share it,” Carter said. “Ignoring it makes it an even bigger problem,” added Liv Gienapp-Svenneby, a 7th grader. The 12-year-old certified Bowmore’s Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) as a place for students to learn about LGBTQ issues and experiences, as well as something that changed the school atmosphere. Some discussions “may be awkward, but if we did not [the QSA]”It would be even worse,” they said. Working to ensure that students have places to learn and engage in these sometimes awkward discussions remains at the heart of Toronto High School teacher Kevin Doe. Toronto High School teacher Kevin Doe helped establish the Toronto County School Board’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance online during the pandemic. (Alex Lupul / CBC)
During the pandemic, the social sciences and English teacher helped shift the Gender Alliance (GSA) teams to an online site for the Toronto District School Committee.
“Teachers know that schools are safe places for many students and that their life at home may seem different than at school,” he said. “We recognized that in our conversations with the students, when they talked about the challenges they faced with their families or the challenges they faced, they did not connect with their peers or friends. “We know that people with two spirits, trans and queer BIPOC, in particular, need a place to connect outside the home.” 7th and 8th graders attend the International Pink Day 2022 meeting at Bowmore Road Junior and Senior Public School. (Alex Lupul / CBC)
This is repeated by Trevor Goodyear, a registered nurse and PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia. He is part of a team that monitors the mental health of diverse Canadians – including LGBTQ people – during the pandemic. “We have seen many young people feel more isolated and perhaps less supported [services] otherwise they may have access, “he said. Goodyear and colleagues found that, compared to heterosexuals, LGBTQ adults in Canada were more likely to misunderstand the pandemic, have suicidal thoughts, and use substances as a means of coping. Recent reports from American researchers and peers have found similar trends among young LGBTQs, he said. “When we look at some of the effects of the pandemic on mental health and the necessary restrictions on public health, young LGBTQ people are a particularly affected group,” he said. “That being said, this is a team that is very strong and resilient and can be very well supported by our schools and communities – and I encourage schools to really play this important and valuable role in supporting and protecting [their] wellness.” Registered nurse Trevor Goodyear, who has a background in mental health care for LGBTQ youth, is currently investigating how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of diverse populations, including LGBTQ individuals. (Submitted by Trevor Goodyear)

Students lead the change

In the midst of the pandemic, Doe, the TDSB teacher, has seen a culture change in students who support equality and inclusion. “Since the beginning of the school year, I have noticed that my students are introduced to their nicknames, something that has not happened before,” he said. “Their fingers are on the pulse. They know the terminology. They know the issues. They want to go deeper.” While bullying in schools has unfortunately been followed on the Internet and “we still know there is work to be done”, Doe is refreshed by the energy of the students. “They are excited that they are personal, they are excited and ready to jump on new initiatives.” Young LGBTQ people still face bullying or bullying at school, but the very fact that the school exists as a place where a student is independent and surrounded by other young people is key, said Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, executive director of Canadian based in Ottawa. Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity. “It’s this peer-to-peer mechanism that is so critical … And what the pandemic did to so many people cut it short,” he explained. While saying she felt isolated in the midst of COVID-19, Owusu-Akyeeah noted that as an adult in her home, “I can connect with my friends” and not worry if I say the word “lesbian” that someone is going to hurt. ». “While these young people, even when they were at home, even when some of these resources moved to the Internet, still face challenges,” he said. “It simply came to our notice then. “It made joining gay straight alliances — even real — very challenging for some young people.” CLOCKS LGBTQ building an online youth community through TikTok, Discord:

“Durable and versatile” young LBGTQ builds online community within COVID-19

Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, executive director of the Canadian Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity, discusses the valuable online communities that young LGBTQs have created in the midst of the pandemic and how it inspires change in organizations that support them. 1:51
However, Owusu-Akyeeah is inspired by the ingenuity of how youth and LGBTQ organizations have found new ways to connect. Colleagues of the Ontario-based LGBT Youth Line, for example, quickly switched to text services and online services – and immediately saw an upsurge in young people contacting them through these new streets, he said. Owusu-Akyeeah said she is also dazzled by young people using platforms such as Discord, TikTok and Instagram to create new LGBTQ communities and discussion spaces. This fearless behavior offers lessons to both services that serve this population on how best to approach them, as well as to school and government officials at all levels of what these young people want and need, Owusu-Akyeeah said. Adult decision-makers need to be “more proactive and less reactionary” in addressing issues that affect this group, he added, as nearly one-third of LGBTQ Canadians are under the age of 25, according to Statistics Canada. “I want to see bold, collective efforts to make sure we prevent and ensure that young people are protected and supported.”

More than a 1 day event

At Henry G. Izatt High School in Winnipeg, 9th graders designing t-shirts for a classroom program focused their efforts on two LGBTQ themes: Pride Celebration and International Rose Day. The students led the process from the beginning, said teacher Alyssa Caughy – from BIPOC students discussing how to express unity in their logo design, to a trans student who emphasized the use of gender-neutral language. Caughy said she was “living the teacher’s dream” simply by being able to guide their passion for the project. “I have to take a step back and learn from them,” he said. Although a blizzard closed most schools in Manitoba on Wednesday, students, teachers and families at Henry G. Izatt High School in Winnipeg were wearing International Pink Day T-shirts designed by 9th graders, says teacher Cauy Aly. (Submitted by Alyssa Caughy)
The choice of International Rose Day as a theme simply made sense, said 14-year-old student Trinity Frank. “Pink Day – has to do with everyone’s differences and how everyone should be treated equally,” they said. “We live somewhat with inclusion and equality because we are a very different group. So it meant a lot to us to be able to show it to people and have a visual representation.” For Trinity Frank and his classmates, International Rose Day was a natural choice for a t-shirt theme. “We live somewhat with integration and equality because we are a very different group. “So it meant a lot to us to be able to show that,” said Frank, who was spotted here at his home in Winnipeg on Wednesday with their dog, Storm. (Submitted by Trinity Frank)
A monster-sized storm eventually destroyed the school’s plans to mark Wednesday, although some wore T-shirts during distance education. However, Caughy believes the belated celebration – hopefully next week – underscores that the values ​​expressed on International Rose Day go beyond a one-time event. “We wear pink on Pink Day, but the attitudes and beliefs that are represented …