‘Come out’ as an affirming adult, taking concrete actions to foster safer spaces for 2SLGBTQI youth.

Jump to: The Pledge | Free Webinars | Resources

October 11 marks National Coming Out Day – an annual 2SLGBTQI awareness day to support anyone “coming out of the closet” – living their life (in part or full) as a member of the 2SLGBTQI community.

With anti-2SLGBTQI hate at an all-time high in Canada, many queer and trans youth may not feel safe to come out this National Coming Out Day. Together, we can help 2SLGBTQI youth feel supported and accepted for who they are, regardless of whether or not they are out. 

Coming Out Together is about encouraging adults to ‘come out’ as supportive, affirming and safe people in the lives of 2SLGBTQI youth.  We call on everyone to do three simple tasks: Pledge, Attend, and Learn.

Taking the pledge to ‘Come Out’ as an affirming adult, means taking concrete actions to foster safer spaces for 2SLGBTQI youth.

The Importance of Affirming Adults for 2SLGBTQI Youth

64%

of 2SLGBTQI reported hearing homophobic comments daily or weekly at school.¹

30%

of 2SLGBTQ youth have been the victim of cyberbullying, compared to 8% of non-2SLGBTQI youth.¹

79%

of trans students who had been the victims of physical harassment reported that teachers and staff were ineffective in addressing transphobic harassment.¹

Significantly Lower

2SLGBTQ youth who live in a community that is accepting of 2SLGBTQI people reported significantly lower rates of attempting suicide than those who do not.²


Pledge to be an Affirming Adult for 2SLGBTQI Youth

Coming Out Together hinges on a call to action for affirming adults to #ComeOutTogether by taking the Pledge to be a safe person for 2SLGBTQI youth.

Share Your Pledge!

  • Share your story on social media using the hashtag #ComeOutTogether
  • Use our Instagram Filter below (or find it in our Coming Out Together highlight section on our Instagram account page).
  • Download a free “I Pledged to be an Affirming Adult” graphic and share on your socials.
Download Filter
Download Pledge Graphic

Pledge to #ComeOutTogether as an affirming adult!

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Attend a Free Webinar on Supporting 2SLGBTQI Youth

Affirming Adults Across the Community

🕐 Length: 90-Minutes
👤 Primary Audience: Any adult with 2SLGBTQI youth in their lives.

The presence of affirming adults both inside and outside the home environment are a critical factor in protecting the positive mental health and overall well-being of 2SLGBTQI youth.​ This interactive workshop explores the vital role that all adults across the community can take up in promoting environments where 2SLGBTQI youth can thrive.​ Participants will consider key characteristics of what being affirming means and discuss practical strategies any adult interacting with 2SLGBTQI youth can put to use right away.

English

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
12pm ET – 1:30pm ET

Register

French

Thursday, October 17, 2024
12pm ET – 1:30pm ET

Register

Affirming Parents and Caregivers

🕐 Length: 90-Minutes
👤 Primary Audience: Parents and caregivers of 2SLGBTQI youth.

Building on the foundations laid in Affirming Adults, this workshop focuses on supporting parents and caregivers in building the skills, confidence, and support networks needed to help their 2SLGBTQI youth thrive. Discussions will explore the practical and emotional aspects of caring for a 2SLGBTQI young person, youth advocacy, and empowerment. Participants will have opportunities to share their experiences and promising practices with one another and learn about available organizations and resources dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQI people and families.​

English

Wednesday, October 23, 2024
5pm ET – 6:30pm ET

Register

French

Thursday, October 24, 2024
5pm ET – 6:30pm ET

Register

Learn How to Navigate the Coming Out Journey with Resources

Coming out is often a task that requires an immense amount of bravery, vulnerability, and honesty. While it can come as a shock and can be disorienting, it is also an act of trust and an invitation to get to know your child’s authentic self. Use these resources when navigating the coming out journey of a 2SLGBTQI youth.

Resources for Adults, Parents, and Caregivers

What To Do When a
2SLGBTQI Youth Comes Out to You.

Use this list of suggestions on how to react in a way that will support your 2SLGBTQI child who just came out to you.

Access this Resource

Affirming Adults: A Guide to Supporting Gender Diverse Children and Youth

This Affirming Adults Guide is designed to support you as you support your child with their gender identity and gender expression.

Access this Resource

Resource for 2SLGBTQI Youth

How Do I Come Out?

Being unable to be our authentic selves can pose many challenges and be a heavy burden to carry — use this resource to navigate when and how to come out.

Access this Resource

Additional 2SLGBTQI Resources and Tools

Introduction to 2SLGBTQI Inclusion

Further Learning and Tools

Acknowledgements

The Coming Out Together campaign, resources and webinars are only possible thanks to the generosity of RBC.

Questions about Coming Out Together or our resources? Email us at communications@egale.ca

References:
1. Egale Canada (2021). Still in every class in every school
2. Trevor Project (2023). 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health