By Sam, Former Club Kid & 2021 Youth of the Year

March 21, 2025

Eight years ago, I came out for the first time in a room full of strangers—and they clapped.

It was the first day of BGC Canada’s Get Loud National Youth Forum. I was standing in a room with other Club kids, including 3 of my Club friends. We were reflecting on the activity we had just completed related to understanding the various obstacles someone encounters daily simply because of their identity.

Having related to the activity on a personal level as I was exploring my own identity, I spontaneously decided to share my truth at the time. To this day, I have no idea what compelled me to share, but what matters is that a group of strangers I’d never met made me feel safe enough to do it.

2S & LGBTQIA+ young people need the safe spaces that BGC Clubs provide

Young people in 2S & LGBTQIA+ communities have always needed safe spaces to explore and express their identity, but they need BGC Clubs now more than ever.

“As young people affected by these harmful ideologies, we are concerned, frustrated, and exhausted. No individual should ever have to debate or justify their existence.”

– BGC Canada’s 2023 National Youth Council

BGC Canada’s mission is to provide safe, supportive places for children and youth to experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, and develop skills for life—no matter their background.

RELATED: Young people deserve a safe place to explore and express their identity

The rise in anti-LGBT hate at government levels in the U.S. has been on the rise for the better part of two years. Fear, hatred, and misinformation continue to run rampant among our neighbours, and Canada is not immune. Hate crimes targeting 2S & LGBTQIA+ communities are on the rise in Canada. Now, advocates across the country are worried about increased anti-trans hate making its way across the border.

As a queer and trans person myself, I can tell you that the Canadian youth in these communities are scared, anxious, uncertain, and they need support.

BGC Clubs play a lifelong role in the lives of young people

Clubs across the country are creating positive spaces, relationships, and conversations that encourage all children and youth to be themselves. BGC Cornwall/SDG played an instrumental role in my upbringing, and I can confidently say if it weren’t for the mentors I met (who I still talk to regularly), I wouldn’t be the same person.

Growing up with a single mom, we leaned on the Club for accessible and meaningful after-school programming. In high school, I still leaned on them for academic support, exploring hobbies, having supper every weekday, and having friends to share those experiences with. The skills I learned to accomplish what I did are skills I still apply in my daily life. Every time I go back to my hometown, I always make sure to visit.

BGC has been the most consistent aspect of my life since I was nine. My Club gave me the certainty that no matter what, I had support—something all young people deserve to experience when they need it the most.

Read more:

• BGC Clubs want the best for Canadian kids 
• BGC Clubs are a modern solution to help parents 
• BGC Clubs are a safe ‘third place’  

As the National Youth Council of BGC Canada (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada), our membership consists of individuals in the 2S & LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as allies from other diverse backgrounds.

Less than two months into 2023, more than 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in the United States at the state level, 150 of which target transgender individuals. This is the highest number of anti-trans bills to be introduced in a single year ever.

Anti-trans sentiments are also prevalent in Canada; transgender and non-binary Canadians are concerned about transphobic ideology worsening across the country. Without strong advocacy and vigilance, this legislative attack in the United States could make its way here.

As young people affected by these harmful ideologies, we are concerned, frustrated, and exhausted. No individual should ever have to debate or justify their existence.

As members of BGC Canada’s National Youth Council, we are calling for change within our systems and our everyday lives. As an ally, you have the power and responsibility to help make that change. Below, we have provided several ways that you can contribute.

Sign petitions. Call, text, and email. Write letters to your local policymakers. Donate. Educate yourself and your family. Advocate for your trans peers even when they’re not around. Check on your affected friends, take care of your mental health, and help us defend and protect human rights.

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Ways to help

Petitions

• Protect Transgender Texans

Donations

• Canada Helps – supports LGBTQ+ Charities

Mental Health Resources

• Kids Help Phone – space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies
• Trans Lifeline – provides trans peer support
• It Gets Better Campaign – uplifts, empowers, and connects LGBTQ+ youth around the globe
• Lesbian, Gay, Bi & Trans Youthline – offers free peer support for youth aged 26 and under (1-800-268-9688)
• The Trevor Project – provides information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round

Stay Educated

• Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S State Legislatures
• Understanding the Transgender Community
• Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People
• Transgender Children & Youth: Understanding the Basics

Additional Resources

• Adults supporting 2SLGBTQI Youth
• Supporting youth well-being through anti-oppression principles
• Preparing Students for the Transition of a Trans or Gender Diverse Peer
• BGC Canada’s 2S & LGBTQIA+ Toolkit (for senior leadership and decision makers)

Luna, a member at BGC Longueuil, created a committee for the 2S & LGBTQIA+ community, and for those who want to learn more about the community. The committee meets daily, does research, and organizes meetings and events for everyone who attends La Maison Kekpart.

Supported by her coordinator, Luna provides information to the committee, hosts discussion forums on gender pluralism, and addresses concerns. As a committee, they want to help people proudly identify themselves in a way that’s true to them, and hope that French inclusive writing becomes more of a norm.

Thank you to Best Buy Canada for helping BGC Canada celebrate Pride month and amplify stories of 2S & LGBTQIA+ youth, staff, and volunteers at their Clubs.