This issue, we spoke with Hannah LaPointe, the senior director of community initiatives and fund development at the YMCA of Greater Moncton, about the Y’s Be You program for 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
Describe all the features of the Be You program.
HL: Be You is an innovative program for 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 12 to 17. Currently, Be You operates as a Tuesday evening drop-in program where 2SLGBTQ+ youth and their allies can come to the YMCA of Greater Moncton’s Vaughan Harvey location, engage in fun activities, learn about being a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and engage in difficult conversations about navigating identity. The space is designed to be safe, inclusive and filled with care. Youth come in, engage in a preplanned activity, slowly gain confidence and start to trust the staff, open up about challenges they’re facing, and ask hard questions about their identity.
Be You is designed to be low-barrier and easily accessible. All sessions happen in our central downtown location, which is in a priority neighborhood. The program is completely free of charge and open to the public. Youth simply sign in upon arrival, share their name and identify if a different name needs to be used with guardians should an emergency occur that requires staff to call them.
How has the Be You program benefitted members and the community, and what are your hopes for the program?
HL: Be You has greatly benefitted the community. Participation has steadily increased since the program began in August of 2023, with an average session hosting approximately eight to 10 youth. Youth have expressed gaining confidence and feeling more secure in themselves, as well as gaining a better understanding of how they identify. Parents have also expressed gratitude, with one sharing their child comes home with the biggest smile they see all week.
Our goal is to expand Be You in a variety of ways. Since starting the youth drop in, our most consistent other inquiry has been regarding programming for 2SLGBTQ+ young adults. One of our goals is to make that a reality by the end of 2024 by including a second night of drop in specifically for that age range. Our primary goal for Be You is to expand to become an information and resource hub for 2SLGBTQ+ education and understanding in the Greater Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada area. Our city severely lacks resources for individuals and organizations on understanding and working with folks of varying identities. We believe that shouldn’t be the reality and aim to lead the initiative to make the change.
What advice would you give to other community rec professionals in becoming more inclusive?
HL: My advice would be to do your research, try your best and keep an open mind. Seek out educational opportunities for yourself and staff. Don’t be complacent and assume everyone is understanding. There are a variety of excellent resources online to encourage professionals to create a more inclusive workplace, take initiative and learn more. An inclusive workplace is one where everyone can thrive. I hope to one day see a future where that’s the overwhelming reality.
