TORONTO — ‘Coming out’ means getting kicked out for a startling number of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S) identified youth in Toronto.

Nearly a quarter of all homeless youth in Toronto identify as LGBTQ2S and many of those individuals report being afraid to access mainstream housing facilities for fear of physical, psychological, and/or sexual violence. This forces our LGBTQ2S youth to live on the streets or in facilities that are not equipped to meet their unique needs.

In the face of this pressing reality, it is encouraging that the City of Toronto has committed to begin addressing the complex issue of LGBTQ2S youth homelessness.

Egale Canada Human Rights Trust would like to congratulate the YMCA on the launch of Sprott House, a transitional housing facility that will serve both LGBTQ2S-identified youth and those who see themselves as allies of the community.

“It goes without saying that we are very excited about the opening of Sprott House” said Helen Kennedy, Egale Canada’s Executive Director. “Ultimately, we want LGBTQ2S youth to be successful in transitioning from homelessness or precarious housing to stable, long term housing” she said.

About Egale Canada Human Rights Trust:

Founded in 1995, Egale Canada Human Rights Trust is Canada’s only national charity promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT) human rights through research, education and community engagement.

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For more information, contact:

Helen Kennedy Executive Director

Egale Canada Human Rights Trust

Tel: (416) 964-7887 x7000 | Fax: 1(888) 990-0585 | Email: hkennedy@egale.ca