Supporting Our Youth (SOY) is one of two groups - the other is the Prime Timers - getting special honours at the Pride parade this year.
SOY, now eight years old, is all about community, a project designed to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgendered youth. It'll be moving to new digs soon but currently works out of 365 Bloor East, suite 301 (416-324-5077, www.soytoronto.org).
It was young LGBT people's alienation from the adult community that inspired the founding of the organization. In addition to coordinating the mentoring program Click that links queer youth with adults, SOY assists youth with housing issues, operates a weekly Monday-night drop-in and sponsors these groups:
black queer youth (BQY) Safe space for black, multiracial, African/Caribbean youth under 29 who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual and questioning and their allies, Wed 6:30 pm. 365 Bloor E, ste 301. 416-324-5083, soyprojects@sherbourne. on.ca.
essence A group where queer, trans and questioning youth gather. 365 Bloor E, ste 301. 416-324-5083, soyprojects@sherbourne.on.ca.
EXPRESS A group for newcomer queer and trans youth, Tue 5:30 pm. 365 Bloor E, ste 301. 416-324-5080
fruit loopz This group organizes events for queer/trans youth, such as the Pride Prom and the performance stage during Pride weekend. Volunteer hours can be used toward OSSD. 365 Bloor E, ste 301. 416-324-5077, soy@sherbourne.on. ca.
queer noise Group for LGBTT youth up to age 26 who love to sing. No musical background necessary. Fri 7 pm. Trinity-St Paul Centre, 427 Bloor W. queernoise@hotmail. com.
trans_fusion_crew Transgender, transsexual, inter-sex, two-spirit and gender-questioning youth chill, share info and work on amazing activist projects Thu 6-9 pm. 365 Bloor E, ste 301. 416-324-5078, tfc@sherbourne.on.ca.
word out! Queer and trans youth meet every month to discuss books, films and more. Starbucks, 485 Church. 416-324-5077, soy@sherbourne.on.ca.
