Join team members and supporters, past and present, in an intergenerational celebration of LGBT YouthLine’s 30 years, as well as Open Closet, and a reflection on 2SLGBTQ+ peer support services. There will be a Q&A after the panel discussion as well as time for mingling.
Moderator: Tyler Chartrand
Panelists: Richard MacDonagh, Dana Nosella, Marah Abdelkader, and Iylah Neves
Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Time: doors open 6:30 PM, panel and Q&A from 7 – 9 PM
Venue:London Central Library, 251 Dundas St, London, ON
Ticket types:
Tickets are by pay-what-you-can donation, including a free-option. We recognize that many 2SLGBTQ+ people of all ages are working-class and low-income, and encourage you to give according to your means, or to take the free option if you need it. You can also select a combo of tickets.
Virtual tickets are free. Attendees will be emailed a livestream link 24 hours before the event.
QUESTIONS? Please contact admin@youthline.ca
Meet the Panelists:
Tyler Chartrand (Moderator)
Tyler is a social movement supporter, an anarchist bookkeeper, an erstwhile scholar, a non-profit functionary, Métis and Anishinaabe, and a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. He lived in London from 2005 to 2011 and was proud to be a co-facilitator of Open Closet, as part of his outreach work at the Youth Action Centre / Youth Opportunities Unlimited; a volunteer at PrideWestern and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection and the founder of the London Youth Council (2007-2011). Tyler now works at LGBT YouthLine as its first-ever Finance Manager and also holds responsibilities related to YouthLine’s Advocacy and Partnerships. His practice of finance support for the People has put him in collaboration with Between the Lines press, TTCRiders, the Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations, and Grassy Narrows First Nation.
Richard MacDonagh
Richard MacDonagh worked at Regional HIV AIDS Connection (formerly AIDS Committee of London) from 2009 to 2015 and during that time was a Case Manager for people living with and at risk of HIV/AIDS; he also had the pleasure of being one of the facilitators of Open Closet, a life saving program for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth within London Ontario and the surrounding area. RHAC set a wonderful foundation for Richard who has carried on in the health care/social service sector. Richard now works as a Program Manager at London InterCommunity Health Centre where he supports the Infectious Diseases teams (HIV/Hepatitis C) as well as the Provincial Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) program, as well as our Gender Care program (gender affirming care). Richard is happy to revisit and discuss the special and memorable time he spent with Open Closet.
Dana Nosella
Dana has been a dedicated advocate and service provider in the social services sector for 25 years, committed to supporting at-risk populations through HIV/AIDS advocacy, shelter services, and helping Ontarians access and navigate funded mental health and addiction resources. With nearly three decades of involvement in the LGBTQ2SIA+ community, Dana has been a steadfast supporter of youth and young adults through group facilitation and support.
Marah Abdelkader
Marah is a queer woman of colour, born and raised in an Arab, Muslim household, whose passion lies in uplifting queer and trans voices and building safe, affirming spaces—especially in medicine. In 2023, she embarked on her journey as a medical student in London, ON, bringing with her years of advocacy and a deep commitment to community care. A dedicated volunteer at LGBT Youthline for four years, she now leads education initiatives for her medical school’s 2SLGBTQ+ group, working to bridge critical knowledge gaps in queer and trans healthcare. Marah thrives on mentoring aspiring queer medical professionals and empowering youth to embrace their identities with confidence and pride.
Iylah Neves
Iylah is a facilitator and program coordinator at Open Closet, a social support space for queer and trans* youth in London Middlesex. They work supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ young people in a variety of settings, ranging from advocacy in schools to mental health support at summer camps to running Dungeons & Dragons games at the library. In their spare time they enjoy cozy games and rereading books.
