4.4 Queer Youth

The youth stream discussed a range of topics from education to relationship violence. We noted that having proper supports is a critical issue. Many queer youth are living on the streets due to the fact that social service regulations doesn't recognize "being kicked out of your home cause you are queer" as a suitable reason for leaving. Queer youth then do not receive financial assistance. It is important that people understand where we are coming from, what supports are out there, and where can we find money to provide the necessary supports to LGBT youth.

Confidentiality was another critical issue which was discussed. Participants noted that if youth can't access services without our parents or guardians being informed about what is going on, then we will not seek services. We need to be respected, and our rights to doctor/patient confidentiality should not be disregarded simply because we have not yet reached the age of majority.

Also identified as critical issues were how homophobia/transphobia/heterosexism, including constant harassment and incidents of violence/bashings, are related to queer youths' low self esteem, depression, substance misuse and gay youth suicide.

The draft Position Paper on Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered Youth notes that:

• some studies indicate that 50% of successful teenage suicides are by lesbian and gay youth;
• 28% of LGBT youth do not finish high school, primarily due to diminished self esteem, harassment, and lack of role models;
• 62% of respondents in a Lower Mainland study had been called anti-gay/lesbian names at school;
• 40% of the above respondents had been threatened with assault at school; and,
• an estimated 25-40% of homeless youth are queer.

The discussions, and the following recommendations, were informed by the reality of the issues noted in the position paper. Some of the recommendations arising from the youth stream overlapped with those of the education stream. In addition to the education recommendations, we recommend:

1. That the Provincial government review and change existing government policies that negatively impact on queer youth.

2. That the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Ministry for Children and Families and the Ministry of Health collaborate with queer youth services, to provide sensitivity training in all areas of the criminal justice and health systems. This training would include issues such as hate crimes, queer bashing, suicide, addiction, homelessness, prostitution, rape, harassment and other forms of violence. And further, that this training must be led by, and employ, queer youth.

3. That the Ministry for Children and Families provide support and information, including funding, to drop-in centres for LGBT youth in smaller communities. Further, that these centres must be developed by local youth, they must provide a safe place for queer youth and must be accessible to, and reach out to, queer youth living on the streets and in low-income housing. And further, that these centres must also be sensitive to issues such as poverty, racism and disability and must recognize the autonomy of youth.

4. That the Ministry for Children and Families review the services currently being provided by all service/education/advocacy agencies under contract with the Ministry, including ethno-cultural and disability groups, to identify how those agencies are actively working to ensure accessibility and responsiveness to queer youth and their families. And further, that this review be followed by the necessary changes to provide accessibility and responsiveness.

5. That the Ministry of Education adopt a policy of non-discrimination in schools toward queer youth and that this include additional types of discrimination such as racism.

6. That the Ministries collaborate with queer youth organizations to develop and provide broad based education and information on queer youth issues.

7. That the Ministry for Children and Families provide financial support for existing community-based organizations currently providing support to queer youth and their families.

8. That the Ministry for Children and Families collaborate with existing queer youth services to develop alternative methods for advertising youth drop in centres such as TV and bus ads.

9. That the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Ministry for Children and Families support queer youth skill building programs that are peer based and focus on development of self esteem and empowerment of youth.

10. That the Ministries and the BCTF work in collaboration with queer youth to address issues of confidentiality, particularly for youth under 19.

11. That the Ministry of Education and the BCTF encourage and support more local on-site projects for schools, such as the queer/straight alliance being developed in the USA.

12. That the Ministry for Children and Families provide support for queer youth to network with other youth and other organizations. This would keep information updated and share resources.

13. That the Ministry of Education and the BCTF institute queer mentorship programs that would provide visible positive role models to youth in school. And further, that this program include workshops with adults interested in being a mentor.

14. That LGBT communities, especially visible queer youth, lobby School Boards to require local schools be more inclusive of LGBT youth, families, and issues. And further, that the Ministry of Education and the BCTF strongly encourage inclusiveness of queer youth.

15. That the Ministry of Education and the BCTF strongly encourage local School Boards to institute a yearly school day where queer adults come back to the schools and talk about their experiences in the school system and what they think need to be changed.

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