Some of My Most Favourite People in the community are anyone who works with youth. I see our work with youth as one of the most important things we do as a community.

The Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line provides service for youth, by youth that affirms the experiences and aspirations of LGBTQ2S youth in Ontario. Since 1994, our one of a kind, confidential, peer support service supports youth by phone, text and online chat.

Their annual awards are coming up soon on November 4th, so I had a chat with the lovely Tanya Neumeyer at the Youth Line.

Tanya let’s talk history of these awards, when did they start, why did they start?

The LGBT Youth Awards started in 1996 to celebrate the inspiring work that LGBTQ2S youth were doing across the province. One of our notable award winners that first year was Kristyn Wong-Tam, now an accomplished City Councillor. The awards came about as Youth Line connected with amazing people across the province, and saw the need for celebration and recognition in our communities. At the time, there was little positive media representation in the media. In LGBTQ2S communities we work constantly for inclusion, representation, and celebration.

What is happening at the 2017 bash? Entertainment, performers, DJs, etc?

Our awards ceremony is an empowering evening of celebration, and this year marks our 16th celebration of the accomplishments LGBTQ2S youth. We’ll host this fabulous gala awards dinner and celebration at the beautiful Artscape Wynchwood Barns space, near Christie and St. Clair. We’ll have entertainment by LGBTQ2S youth performers and one of our awards winners.

Who should attend?

We’re inviting LGBTQ2S people and allies to join us to celebrate. We have a number of non-profit leaders from various sectors, local business and corporate people, academics and artists attending. The evening is sure to please.

Why do you love doing what you do?

In my work, I see the work that inspiring people are doing to make change across sectors. I meet LGBTQ2S youth who creating new ways to be in the world, who are astoundingly themselves. I meet the most caring and hardworking business leaders and corporate folks who are a part of (or who have created) LGBTQ groups at their workplaces and in their communities, who support LGBTQ2S co-workers, friends and families.

You can get tickets on The Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line website.

 

About the Author

Antoine has on numerous occasions said that everything he does is "a love letter to the LGBTQ community". and he truly loves this community. A 29 years' media and marketing leader, Antoine is the publisher of theBUZZ, The Pink Pages Directory, PinkPlayMags, and a magazine for Durham Region families The Local Biz Magazine, and is the host of talk show "On the Couch". On his off time he is usually involved in community organizations and causes.