Safe Spaces started in 1998 when Kamloops was chosen as one of four communities across Canada to be part of a pilot project out of McGill University. The pilot project was the first of its kind and was to be used as a template for the development of similar services in other communities.
Safe Spaces is a free community program for youth 12-26 years of age who identify as two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, non-binary, questioning, intersex, asexual, and or pansexual and their allies. The program is funded by Child and Youth Mental Health under the Ministry of Children and Family Development. It is a youth driven service with a vision to provide safe and inclusive supports, education and advocacy for youth and our community. It offers weekly group meetings for youth, a weekly transgender group, one-on-one appointments, crisis support, workshops and presentations on 2SLGBTQIAP+ issues for Kamloops and surrounding communities, a resource and lending library, a referral system and free chest binder program for youth to access no-cost gender affirming clothing.
At the core of the program is the inherent belief youth have the right to participate in society free from discrimination, homophobia, transphobia and racism. The services provided through Safe Spaces aim to build upon youth’s individual strengths, self-esteem, self-acceptance, personal safety, and healthful decision-making.
The program’s goals include:
– educating 2SLGBTQIAP+ youth in harm reduction activities
– ending homophobia and transphobia by lobbying local agencies and organizations to ensure they are aware of, and incorporate policies that are inclusive to issues affecting 2SLGBTQIAP+ youth
– building alliances between 2SLGBTQIAP+ youth and supportive organizations and agencies
– build alliances between 2SLGBTQIAP+ youth and their allies by supporting GSA’s (Gender/Straight Alliances or Gay/Straight Alliances) within the schools
Approximately 40,000 youth experience homelessness across the nation annually. 2SLGBTQIAP+ youth experience disproportionately higher rates of homelessness, violence, mental health concerns, substance use, exploitation and suicide compared to heterosexual and cisgender youth. Safe Spaces envisions an expanded program with additional supports to all 2SLGBTQIAP+ youth including those who may face additional barriers in accessing services. Increased funding and donations would help us to expand services and opportunities in our community and surrounding areas.
Donations can be made directly on our website (easiest and donors receive a receipt), in person via cash, cheque, debit/credit or e-transfer at our admin office at 765 Tranquille Rd (however, due to COVID we prefer online donations at this time).
