Since Directions began, there have always been 2SLGBTQIA+ youth coming, and welcome, here. The history of this group of programs has always been welcoming and that’s something we’re proud of. However, specific programming for queer and trans youth hasn’t been something we’ve always been able to offer.
At the beginning of 2023, we fully launched the Directions 2SLGBTQIA+ Program. Alysha Somerton has been the program’s Coordinator since the beginning and it’s not an overstatement to say she’s brought it to life.
Each Wednesday evening, there’s something fun planned, from movies, snacks, and picnics to Bingo and other games, and even on-site drag nights. Sprinkled throughout the month are art activities, outings around Vancouver and the metropolitan area, and workshops about gender identity, sexual health, safe relationships, and more. This program is bringing so much variety, fun, and safe community to youth.
About once per month, we also host a free clothing market where youth are able to pick one whole outfit for themselves.
Each season this year, Field Trip Hair Salon has partnered with us to bring a free day of haircuts to our clients.
And the youth who regularly come to the program? They’re thriving.
Alysha talks about one youth who, when they first met, was shy and reserved. Now they’re more expressive, regularly wear makeup (something they felt too nervous to do before), and walk with the kind of confidence that comes from being affirmed in their identity.
Another youth who came to programming told Alysha that they never would have seen themselves accessing a service like Directions – they never would’ve thought they’d face not having a home. But after coming out to their parents, they had to leave.
They came to the Drop-In Centre and it just so happened to be a day with 2SLGBTQIA+ programming. The contrast between being unwelcome at home for who they are and being celebrated and finding community because of who they are is one that Alysha is passionate about creating for youth.
To be able to counter the toxic, homo- and transphobic messaging that youth face with acceptance, celebration, joy, and love is exactly why
this program is so important.
Youth who access Directions Youth Services are disproportionately queer and trans. They’re disproportionately Indigenous, Black, or otherwise racialized. They often occupy identities sitting at intersections of marginalization. We take this along with recommendations from our Youth Advisory Committee into account for who hire, who we bring on as volunteers, and what programs we create.
We want to keep providing this support for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. We want to grow. We cannot do this without support from passionate allies.
Currently, our 2SLGBTQIA+ program is in need of some help. Alysha has so many ideas for how to expand what we’re offering, from increasing the number of days per month with programming and hosting a Queer and Trans Elders series to building up the 2SLGTQIA+ books in the Drop-In’s library. The program is only operating at a part-time capacity, but with more funding we can make sure every queer and trans youth at Directions has access to resources, support, and safe community.
It’s pride season and we’re inviting you to help fund this affirming space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who come to directions.