Rainbow committed to protecting Manitoba's 2SLGBTQ+ Youth
2SLGBTQ+ youth celebrating their authentic selves at Rainbow's Camp Aurora last summer.
At the end January 2024, Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith unveiled a worst-case scenario of policies targeting transgender youth, including banning medical treatments like hormonal therapy and gender-affirming surgery for children under 15, as well as a variety of other measures. The announcement, delivered on YouTube with no chance for questions, sent a shockwave across Canada. Her proposed policies added fuel to the fire of the far-right's transphobia, but also brought harsh criticism from 2SLGBTQ+ advocates across the country, with Health Minister Mark Holland condemning the proposed rules as "extremely dangerous".
Rise of Anti-Trans Discrimination and Violence in Canada
Smith's anti-trans policies have been labeled as "hateful" and harmful to 2SLGBTQ+ youth by experts and advocacy groups. The legislation has been criticized for disregarding evidence on gender-affirming care and potentially leading to negative health outcomes for trans and non-binary youth. The impact of such policies extends beyond legal battles, affecting the well-being and identities of queer and trans kids in Alberta - but also generating conversations about this persistent, heartbreaking issue in every province, city, and home. When this conversation permeates communities where 2SLGBTQ+ youth are already at risk of discrimination and violence, life can get pretty bleak for 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
Impact on Trans Youth in Canada
The proposed legislation by Smith could significantly alter how trans youth explore their identities, access healthcare, and participate in sports, potentially limiting their options and support systems. There should never be doubt about it - trans rights are human rights, 2SLGBTQ+ youth, especially trans youth, have the right to safety, confidentiality, and to see themselves reflected in their curriculum. Since this announcement, there has been sharp increase of anti-trans discrimination and violence across the country. Trans youth were already experiencing high-levels of suicide ideation and attempts, already experiencing limited/low access to mental health supports, and discrimination and violence at home, at school, and in public spaces. Smith's announcement, and the rising tide of anti-trans rhetoric has further emboldened those who wish this community and its youth harm.
Rainbow Sees The Impact
Kay Lamb (he/they), a counsellor at Rainbow Resource Centre, reports they continue to see queer and trans youth are very distressed about legislation and policy that impacts their safety and futures. "This exacerbates the existing high levels of distress and mental health issues we know 2SLGBTQ+ youth are experiencing. Having support from queer and trans mental health providers is vital in not only understanding the experiences of these youth, but in supporting them to build mental health skills, engage in advocacy, and connect with wider community that can help them to survive oppression and discrimination." Lamb adds, "The youth who connect with the counselling program often do not have other safe adults in their lives to support them, and having access to counselling that affirms their identities is life-saving."
February 2, 2024 - CTV Winnipeg reported, the Winnipeg police major crimes unit was investigating after a Pride flag, affixed to the entrance of a Transcona home since September, was ripped down, torn up and burned. (Image from CTV News, submitted: Sherri Pelletier) Full story here.
Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ Youth
In recent months, we've heard reports of increased hate-motivated crimes in Winnipeg, and stories of brazen discrimination happening in schools. This kind of environment makes it very difficult for 2SLGBTQ+ youth to just be themselves.
At Rainbow, supporting trans youth, indeed all 2SLGBTQ+ and ally youth, is the foundation of our work. Through our various youth programs, short-term counselling, Camp Aurora, Rainbow is committed to ensuring 2SLGBTQ+ youth are supported and have space to just be authentic, to learn from each other, and develop important skills to advocate for themselves.
Madison Neapew / Blue Thunderbird Ikwe (any pronouns), Rainbow's Youth Program Coordinator, sees the side of youth who feel supported, connecting and engaging with 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies on a regular basis. "Their resiliency and poise is truly inspiring, even through all the world's adversities," Neapew says, "the youth continuously come back each week with bright smiles and positive attitudes. Each week, I see the confidence build as youth create and explore their identities and make meaningful peer connections. I'm proud to be apart of creating a safer space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth to flourish."
Rainbow Works in Many Ways
At Rainbow, our Youth Program is only one of a variety of ways we support 2SLGBTQ+ youth, and support those who support them. Our volunteer-led groups, BLiNK and PFFOTI, as well as our overnight summer camp, Camp Aurora, and a day camp for 2SLGBTQ+ and ally 10- to 13-year-olds.
As well, we have our upcoming GSA Conference with this year's theme, amplifying JOY, for 2SLGBTQ+ and ally students and the teachers who support them. Rainbow hopes create space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth to see themselves, not through the lens that the media and hateful leaders want us to, but through our ability to define ourselves.
Anti-trans policies and the rhetoric of the far-right coming from major political parties are setting the stage for a difficult Federal election season coming up in the next couple of years, but at Rainbow, we are committed to ensuring 2SLGBTQ+ youth are safe and affirmed, and have a community to fall back on when the going gets tough. If you are a trans youth, parent, or parents of a trans or 2SLGBTQ+ youth, and you need help navigating these difficult times, Rainbow has support groups and experts for you to speak with that can help you to become the ally this community needs.
Rainbow Programs
- Rainbow's Youth Program: madisonn@rainbowresourcecentre.org
- Parents, Friends, and Family of Trans Youth (PFFOTI): pffoti@rainbowresourcecentre.org
- BLiNK: blink@rainbowresourcecentre.org
- GSA Conference (for students and teachers)
- Camp Aurora (ages 14-17)
- Spirit Day Camp (10-13)
More information, contact: info@rainbowresourcecentre.org