On November 24th, MOSAIC’s I Belong program for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) newcomers presented at a workshop as part of an LGBTQ Youth Forum held by the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity. The full-day forum took place at Moscrop Secondary School in Burnaby with workshop topics ranging from LGBTQ young adult literature to transgender inclusivity.
Three I Belong participants and one former volunteer shared their intersectional experiences as LGBTQ newcomers, including settlement and immigration challenges as well as homophobia and transphobia within their own cultural communities or home countries. Over 20 secondary school students attended the workshop and described it as an invaluable opportunity to learn about the diversity among the LGBTQ community. It also hit home to many of the students since they are recent newcomers themselves.
The I Belong participants commented that it was great to pass on their stories to the next generation who will shape Canada in the future.
MOSAIC’s I Belong program offers a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ immigrants, refugees and other newcomers to meet new people, share experiences and explore ways to make positive changes. To learn more, please visit mosaicbc.org/ibelong.
