EJ Weston admits Westshore Youth Pride started off as a bit of a joke.
As part of WestonB次元官网网址檚 social justice class at Royal Bay Secondary school, the teen had to come up with an action plan. Around the same time, WestonB次元官网网址檚 friend, who was a member of the schoolB次元官网网址檚 Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), questioned what to do after graduation since there were no community GSA groups.
ThatB次元官网网址檚 when Weston jokingly said that should be the focus of the action plan B次元官网网址� creating a space for the LGBTQ community on the West Shore. After WestonB次元官网网址檚 friend and teacher fell in love with the idea, Weston knew they couldnB次元官网网址檛 go back and Westshore Youth Pride was born.
B次元官网网址淚 didnB次元官网网址檛 think it would turn into anything,B次元官网网址� Weston said.
Since then, the class project has transformed into a labour of love for Weston. For the past year, Weston has been working to help connect those in the LGBTQ community in the western communities to services.
Now, after recently receiving a grant from Island Health as part of its Community Wellness Grant Program, Westshore Youth Pride will be launching two new initiatives.
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The first is a partnership with West Shore Parks and Recreation to offer a free drop-in service at the Centennial Centre for youth between the ages of 11 to 18.
Weston hopes it will be similar to the drop-in service at the Saanich Commonwealth Place that takes place on Fridays, in which people can bond with others in the LGBTQ community.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 something that is always needed. YouB次元官网网址檙e going to have queer kids no matter where you go. ItB次元官网网址檚 been needed for years, especially here on the West Shore,B次元官网网址� Weston said, adding they hope it will be up and running in July.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 important not only to connect queer youth with each other, but to have that support for them B次元官网网址� When we have groups talking about this stuff, it reduces the stigma behind it.B次元官网网址�
Also in the works is a new website and app that combines a variety of resources into one location that Weston hopes to launch in September. The app will be split into five sectors: upper island, Sooke/Port Renfrew, the West Shore, Saanich/Peninsula and downtown Victoria, with the main goal of connecting youth with resources in their community.
Categories include mental health, physical health (including sexual health), LGBTQ2+, Indigenous, get active (such as fitness centres) and volunteer opportunities.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e creating a hub to connect all of these things,B次元官网网址� Weston said. For more information email ewestonatwork@gmail.com.
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