Spectrum offers space for queer youth to sparkle

YSB's weekly group provides education and essentials


Since 1960, the Youth Services Bureau (YSB) has catered to Ottawa’s at-risk juveniles.

After conducting a comprehensive needs assessment of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, the YSB launched the Spectrum Youth Group last month to address the specific issues modern queer kids are faced with.

Spectrum aims to dissect these issues like a prism, implementing educational tools that deal with everything from depression and substance abuse to coming to terms with sexual identity and social justice.

The group also offers several basic-needs services, such as laundry, access to showers and on-site counselling.

Spectrum is additionally integrated with the rainbow of services offered by YSB, such as emergency shelters, a drop-in centre, a transitional and long-term housing program and access to a health clinic.

A typical night at Spectrum includes the oppurtunity to use its services and take part in an icebreaker activity, an educational workshop or play board games. Previous workshop topics have included queer representation in comic books, heteronormativity and genderbending.

Spectrum volunteer Erica Butler, 21, says that since the group held its first meeting last month, it has evolved into a vital social outlet for many of the young participants.

“You can already see there is a community developing. People are forming friendships and making lasting relationships,” Butler says.

Fellow volunteer Rhonda Chamberlain, 24, says it was important for her to get involved in Spectrum, as such services were nonexistent when she was in high school.

“I think seeing youth grow together and create a community is inspiring. It’s important for everybody to feel included,” she says.

Andrea Poncia, an HIV/AIDS educator who works directly with Spectrum, says the group is extremely fortunate to have volunteers such as Butler and Chamberlain leading the collective.

“All the youth volunteers bring many talents and experiences to their role,” Poncia says.

“We are fortunate to have a strong team of young people involved in our youth engagement program at the Youth Services Bureau with Spectrum.”

The group is currently seeking new volunteers to shine new light through their spectrum. Being queer is not a prerequisite, although a willingness to learn is, Chamberlain says.

“We’re looking for volunteers who will be accountable for their actions and are willing to be educated themselves. I think a big part of our team is that everyone should feel safe. Part of that is learning yourself, recognizing what other people’s needs are and thinking about how we can accommodate those needs,” Chamberlain says.

 

Spectrum Youth Group

Every Tuesday, 7-9pm

Open to youth aged 12-25
Youth Services Bureau
147 Besserer St

Algonquin College journalism grad. Podcaster @qqcpod.

Read More About:
Health, News, Ottawa

Keep Reading

Raising the bar: How an Edmonton gym is making exercise accessible

Run by queer and trans professionals, Action Potential Fitness was created with LGBTQ2S+ clients in mind
The Ohio state legislature building with a blue star with stars and stripes behind it.

Ohio’s trans healthcare ban sets dangerous precedent ahead of 2024 election

ANALYSIS: Ohio has set a new precedent for using gubernatorial powers to indirectly outlaw transition—other states may follow
Danielle Smith wears a blue top, grey blazer and pearls. She stands behind a podium with an Alberta sign, in front of Canadian and Alberta flags.

Can the federal government stop Danielle Smith’s anti-trans policies?

OPINION: The answer, like the politics that surround the proposals themselves, is complex
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wears green and pearls; she holds a white binder. A blue wall with a window is behind her.

Canada’s right is ushering in a dangerous anti-science era

OPINION: Provincial and federal leaders like Pierre Poilievre and Danielle Smith are willing to spew misinformation, take away healthcare and ultimately put trans youth at risk—all to score political points