Safe Spaces [History]
In 1999, Moncton was chosen with three other cities in Canada, including Kamloops, Montreal and Halifax, to help youth break their isolation and accept their sexual orientation in a safe and healthy environment.
Why we need Safe Spaces
The Safe Spaces project began with research done with gay, lesbian and bisexual youth by Bill Ryan in collaboration with Project 10 from Montreal.
The research showed some very important results:
- The most relentless feature in the lives of gay, lesbian and bisexual youth is sense of isolation.
- Studies indicate there is a much higher risk of suicide in youth who are in sexual orientation crisis and are unaware of any resources to get affirmative messages.
- Alcohol and drug use is a major problem for GLBTTQ youth and has a direct impact on rates of HIV transmission.
- Rural GLBTTQ youth are particularly at risk of dropping out of school and running away from home, then finding themselves in urban centre with no support and no means of sustenance. Safe Spaces aims to ensure youth have the resources they need to live, learn and love safely in their community.
GLBTTQ Youth - Safety Issues:
- GLBTTQ individuals are several times more likely to be victims of assault, at risk for suicide and in general, experience other ill effects of social isolation.
- Despite anti-discrimination legislation and other protective policies, the enforcement of these policies to protect GLBTTQ community members is not consistent.
- Violence or other crimes against these citizens are frequently overlooked due to personal and/or institutionalized homophobia.
Today
- Unfortunately, there is no longer funding in place with staff to deliver the Safe Spaces program. However, AIDS Moncton continues to work toward creating safer communities in which GLBTTQ youth can live, learn and love safely
- AIDS Moncton partners with community stakeholders throughout southeastern New Brunswick to provide education and support related to GLBTTQ issues.