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NATIONAL SAFE SPACES PROJECT

ANKORS, AIDS Network Outreach and Support Society, and SIDA/AIDS Moncton (SAM) are pleased to announce an exciting new project that addresses the issues of homophobia and sexual diversity. Begun in November 2004, the National Safe Spaces Project is an 18-month long project that will develop a training manual to help establish support programs for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth, or youth who are questioning their sexual orientation (GLBTTQ) in small urban/rural communities anywhere in Canada. Production of this project has been made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

This project has its roots in the existing Safe Spaces projects that have been successfully operating in the East and West Kootenays for the last two years. Two project coordinators, one in Moncton and one in Nelson, have been hired as full-time staff for this endeavour. They will work collaboratively to create a manual that will assist any rural community across Canada to provide support services for GLBTTQ youth.

Kyle McLellan, the project coordinator in Nelson, said that “this project will continue the work done by agencies and individuals all across Canada who support GLBTTQ youth and strengthen their ability to live, learn, and love safely.” The Project will draw on existing resources for GLBTTQ youth, with a particular emphasis on the realities of rural life for GLBTTQ youth. “It is well known that when young people are not supported, they are at risk for a range of problems, including drug use, homelessness and other unsafe practices that may expose them to HIV and AIDS. For GLBTTQ youth the risk is much higher,” McLellan said. “If not properly supported, GLBTTQ youth are almost twice as likely to engage in high-risk behaviours than their heterosexual peers. We hope that communities across Canada will engage in the process to reduce risk factors for GLBTTQ youth.”

The National Safe Spaces Project will first develop the comprehensive manual, and then ‘train the trainer’ sessions will be conducted in interested communities across Canada. To find out more about the National Safe Spaces Project, please feel free to contact Kyle McLellan, project coordinator, at (250) 231-0796, or send email to kyle@safespaces.ca.