TORONTO – The LGBTQ Youth Initiative at Planned Parenthood Toronto will launch Send the Right Message Sept. 26. This LGBTQ youth-led campaign provides resources for straight and cisgender youth who want to help improve the lives of LGBTQ people. As a comprehensive public campaign, activities range from TTC advertisements, to a video on pronoun use entitled “They Go By Them”, to an extensive online educational resource. Topics include privilege, practical tools for supporting LGBTQ+ identities as a straight or cisgendered ally, and how to be accountable if you mess up.
“We’re so excited to launch the Send the Right Message campaign, which offers straight, cisgender youth practical tools for supporting their LGBTQ+ friends,” said Sarah Hobbs Blyth, executive director Planned Parenthood Toronto. “These tools are as simple as respecting a person’s pronouns, or not questioning someone’s sexuality. Everyday actions of allyship have a big impact on the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth.”
Speaking about the campaign Sylvan Tang, LGBTQ Youth Initiative member said, “I’m proud to have helped create a campaign like this. After I started medically transitioning, some of my close friends assumed that I would be straight. They didn’t understand the fluidity of sexuality and gender identity. Hopefully a resource like this can help them.”
The campaign launch will be celebrated with a free party Sept, 26 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Planned Parenthood Toronto invites LGBTQ youth, their allies and service providers for an evening of performances by LGBTQ youth, raffle prizes, food, giveaways and a photo booth.
