Do Better

In 2019, LGBT YouthLine’s Provincial Youth Ambassador Project (PYAP) brought together 18 2SLGBTQ+ youth from across Ontario to lead an assessment about the experiences and needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth (29 and under) in Ontario.

The PYAP Youth Ambassadors worked together to develop the entire process, from drafting the survey questions to moderating the sharing circles.

In February 2020, 6 reports highlighting the results were released through an 11-city tour across Ontario.

Read Report Snapshots below.

A Summary Report

Racialized 2SLGBTQ+ Youth

Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ Youth

Northern 2SLGBTQ+ Youth

Trans, Nonbinary and Gender Diverse Youth

2SLGBTQ+ Youth Under 18

Seven Recommendations to Do Better

The Recommendations draw from the LGBT YouthLine’s Provincial Youth Ambassador Project Needs Assessment, where almost 1,200 2SLGBTQ+ youth from across Ontario shared their insights.

Recommendation 1

Redesign health system services and programs for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, especially mental health services & care for trans youth.

Recommendation 2

In suburbs, smaller cities, towns and on reserves, intentionally dedicate resources (space, time, energy) and funding to directly support 2SLGBTQ+ youth.

Recommendation 3

Develop mechanisms for grassroots 2SLGBTQ+ youth organizing to access much-needed resources and supports.

Recommendation 4

Meaningful involvement of 2SLGBTQ+ youth (especially racialized 2SLGBTQ+ youth) in decision-making at the local, regional and provincial levels

Recommendation 5

Proactive efforts to increase 2SLGBTQ+ youth representation in positions of power and influence.

Recommendation 6

Mandate change in building/facility standards to have safe, accessible, all-gender washrooms in all public spaces in Ontario, including on reserves.

Recommendation 7

Comprehensive & ongoing training and capacity-building for all who support youth focused on supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth, challenging homo/bi/transphobia and racism.

In April 2021, we held a virtual tour for the launch of this report. YouthLine staff, volunteers, and special guests came together in conversation about the 7 recommendations. 

Each launch had a focus area. While each launch provided a similar short overview of the seven recommendations, the panelists, guest moderator, and focus area were different. Below are recordings from each launch event:

Social Services Focus

Health Care Focus

Northern and Rural Focus

Trans and Gender Diverse Focus

Education Focus

Thank you to all those who contributed to this project 🙂

Callum Batten (they/them)
Gabe Ellepola (he/him)
Katrina Moffit-Pleasance (they/them)
Leon Tsai (she/her)

Raul Morales-Morales (he/him)
Shivanie Mahabir (she/her)
Damien Mousa (he/they)
Said (Sahira) Jiddawy (they/them)

Special Thank You to <3:

All Report covers illustrated by Melisse Watson @coyotewatson, featuring work by:

Cassandra Thompson @seedandserasee (Trans+ Youth Snapshot)

Harmeet Rehal @harmeetrehal (Under 18 Youth Snapshot)

Maisha Marshall-Ende @uncle_guiseppe (Racialized Youth Snapshot)

Keisha Erwin Roberts @wapahkesis (Indigenous Youth Snapshot)

Whitney Heroux @hamburger_help_me (Northern Youth Snapshot). 

Graphic design by Anchor Points Design @anchorpoints.design 

Lead Research Consultant: Anu Radha Verma