Government of Canada Supports Projects to Prevent and Address Violence Against 2SLGBTQI+ Youth

March 25, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada

Family and gender-based violence can have devastating impacts on the physical and mental health of survivors, and lasting consequences for families, individuals, communities and society as a whole. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting all survivors of family violence and safeguarding the health and safety of those at risk, including youth and 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

Today, the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced over $1.6 million for four projects that aim to prevent and address violence against 2SLGBTQI+ youth by working directly with young people and their families, as well as with professionals and service providers.

• Trent University is receiving $403,741 over three years to develop and evaluate an interactive curriculum that addresses gender stereotypes and related harmful behaviours. The project will reach up to 600 parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and educators, both online and in-person at Peterborough, Oshawa and Belleville region locations in Ontario. The overall aim of the project is to promote healthy environments for 2SLGBTQI+ children and youth by reducing the associated prejudices and harms they can encounter within families and communities.
• Egale is receiving $372,131 over three years to adapt and evaluate guidelines and resources for parents and caregivers of 2SLGBTQI+ youth on mental health and gender diversity. The project will reach up to 400 parents and caregivers by providing them with practical information and strategies to create a safe space to support children’s gender identities and ensure their physical and emotional well-being at home, in school, and when accessing care.
• Central Toronto Youth Services is receiving $400,000 over four years to develop and lead a Community of Practice for professionals and service providers from diverse organizations across Canada who are doing family-focused work with 2SLGBTQI+ children and youth. This support network of workers and allies will also host learning events such as webinars and create resources intended to support advocating for policy and practice changes.
• The Centre for Sexuality Society is receiving $466,131 over three years to deliver and evaluate support groups for parents and caregivers of gender diverse and sexual minority youth. These groups aim to provide parents and caregivers with knowledge, skills, and tools to build and strengthen healthy family relationships, and advocate on behalf of their 2SLGBTQI+ children.