Jump to: Take the Pledge | Attend a Webinar | Learn from Resources
October 11 marks National Coming Out Day – an annual 2SLGBTQI awareness day observed on October 11, 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.
30%
of 2SLGBTQ youth have been the victim of cyberbullying, compared to 8% of non-2SLGBTQI youth.
79%
of trans students who had been the victims of physical harassment reported that teachers and staff were ineffective in addressing transphobic harassment.
Source: Egale Canada (2021). Still in every class in every school
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.
Source: Trevor Project (2023). 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
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.
Participants who take the pledge will receive an automated email with a checklist of tangible actions including links to resources, social shareables, the affirming adults webinar invite, and more.
Attend a Free Webinar on Affirming Adults for 2SLGBTQI Youth
Affirming Adults for 2SLGBTQI Youth
This webinar is generously supported by RBC
This free interactive 75-minute webinar explores the vital role that all adults across the whole school community can take up in promoting environments where 2SLGBTQI youth can thrive. We will consider key characteristics of what being affirming means, and share practical strategies and support resources you can put to use right away. Participants will also have an opportunity to exchange promising tips and tools with one another.
Parents and guardians are all encouraged to join us for this rich and critical discussion!
October 11, 2023 at 12:00 PM ET
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.
FOR ADULTS:
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.
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.
Additional Resources
Acknowledgements
The Coming Out Together campaign, resources and webinar are only possible thanks to the generosity of RBC.
Questions about Coming Out Together or our resources? Email us at communications@egale.ca