Co-authored by Emily Paulsen (Community Librarian, Londonderry Branch)
You may not be aware, but we host weekly GSA drop-in sessions where LGBTQ2S+ youth and allies come together to socialize, hear guest speakers, do fun activities and access resources. Not familiar with a GSA? It’s an acronym that stands for Gay-Straight Alliance but also encompasses people of diverse gender and sexual orientations and their allies.
While we may be temporarily closed, we still want to connect. That’s why we’ve compiled some of our favourite LGBTQ2S+ movies, books, resources and fun activities for you!
Books, Movies and More
Our Top LGBTQ2S+ Reads
Here are some of our favourite LGBTQ2S+ teen reads from the past few years. All are available in eBook and/or eAudiobook format.
7 LGBTQ2S+ Alberta Writers You Need to Check Out
Our 2018 Writer in Residence, Darrin Hagen, put together this amazing list of local writers. They’re also great people to follow on social media — check out Billy-Ray Belcourt’s Instagram (@nakinisowin) where he posts poetry and other great book recommendations.
Our Top LGBTQ2S+ Movies
These movies and documentaries are all available online and free with your library card. Don’t have one? Sign up online. The list includes a documentary of an all-male drag ballet company, a dramatization of the little-known relationship Emily Dickinson had with a woman, a documentary on the growth of the asexual community and more.
EPL Picks: International Transgender Day of Visibility
Tuesday, March 31 was International Transgender Day of Visibility, but these picks are excellent year-round. All titles include transgender characters and there is something for everyone, from kids to adults!
Resources
Rainbow Pages Youth Resource Guide
Developed by The Family Centre, this consolidated guide outlines the support available in Edmonton for LGBTQ2S+ youth and the youth-serving community.
CHEW Project
The Community Health Empowerment & Wellness (CHEW) Project is a community-based initiative that offers services, resources and education for LGBTQ2S+ youth and young adults between 14 and 29 years of age facing barriers such as poverty, homelessness, sexual health and/or mental health problems, substance use and other Queer-related challenges. The CHEW project offers no-cost counselling, crisis intervention, Indigenous peer support, community outreach, sexually transmitted infection testing, a drop-in office for basic needs and support and more.
Find them on Facebook (@CHEWprojectYEG).
YESS
Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS) provides immediate and inclusive shelter, temporary housing and individualized support for youth aged 15-24. YESS focuses on working collaboratively with other Edmonton-based youth-supporting partners on prevention and diversion out of homelessness.
Find them on Facebook (@YESSorg).
RAYE
The Rainbow Alliance for Youth of Edmonton (RAYE) is an inter-agency committee serving LGBTQ2S+ youth and promoting increased understanding, empathy and knowledge. They support youth, families, teachers and students by holding various events and workshops and collaborating with local organizations such as Edmonton Public Schools, as well as provincial and national services and institutions.
Find them on Facebook (@RainbowAllianceYEG), Instagram (@RainbowAllianceYEG) and Twitter (@rainbowYEG).
211 Resource Lists
211 is a free, confidential service that provides information and referral to a wide range of community, social health and government services with certified community resource specialists. These lists provide contact information for various agencies and programs organized by need such as resources for youth or resources for family violence.
Pride Centre of Edmonton
While the Pride Centre’s doors may be closed at this time, they have a lot of amazing resources online for youth about transitioning, health care and further reading.
Find them on Facebook (@yegpride).
Crafts and Activities
Bake it with Pride
It’s not Pride month yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rainbow-fy your baking! Now is the perfect time to unleash your inner chef so check out our collection of digital cookbooks.
Zine-tastic!
We love to hear about what you’re passionate about so why not share in the form of a Zine? Zines, from “magazines” are self-published booklets, often created by cutting and gluing text and images together. Check out this video to see how you can make your own and when the Library’s GSA sessions are back, we can share!
Now it’s your turn! Tag us (@epldotca) and use the hashtag #EPLfromHomeGSA to tell us what you’ve been up to! For more amazing content, check out our services for teens.
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