New tool kit is designed to help people who work with LGBTQ+ youth

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A guide to help youth who are part of the LGBTQ+ community was launched by the Jasmin Roy Sophie Desmarais Foundation on Tuesday, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

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“The importance of discussing sexual and gender diversity is fundamental to forming a cohesive and open-minded society,” the foundation said in a statement.

The guide is designed as a reference for people in various fields who work with LGBTQ+ youth. Its focus is on kindness and countering conscious and unconscious bias. It was written by sociologist and retired social work professor Michel Dorais and foundation president Jasmin Roy. It is based on content from the École d’été sur les jeunes LGBTQ+ held in May 2021 with 15 specialists and 700 people from 20 countries.

“Lately, it appears that widely accepted rights are and can be revoked at any time,” the foundation said, noting the “Don’t say gay” law recently passed in Florida and the threats against abortion rights. “It is therefore more important than ever to raise awareness among the population, and especially the staff working with young people, on the need to fully understand the realities of the LGBTQI+ community.”

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Dorais said a humanist and non-judgmental approach is essential, especially when supporting youth from marginalized communities, “since the challenges encountered as members of minorities are added to experiences with their heterosexual peers.”

Included in the tool kit are 12 principles for people who work with LGBTQ+ youth, such as not assuming the sex, gender or sexuality of anyone, regardless of their age or appearance; using inclusive vocabulary; respecting a person’s self-determination; approaching youth from a perspective of equity, respect and diversity; and social inclusion.

The guide is available through the foundation’s website, fondationjasminroy.comwhich also offers several other tools that are available in English and French.