Monthly Programs

The Youth Project has a monthly schedule of regular programs. These programs happen once each month on a specific night. Check the calendar to find out when they are happening.

Transformers

This group is a support and discussion group for transgender and gender queer youth, 25 and under. The purpose of this group is to bring together transgender and gender queer youth to share experiences, talk about the issues around gender identity, and learn more about support options. The group decides on what topics and activities they would like to discuss or do. The group is facilitated by two knowledgeable volunteers from the community.

Transformers Social

This group is a social group for transgender and gender queer youth, 25 and under. The purpose of this group is to provide a safe space for transgender and gender queer youth to hang out, meet new people, and socialize in a setting that is safe, nonjudgmental and trans positive.

Drop-In

Drop-In night is a chance to come down to the Youth Project and get support, hang out with friends, meet new people, join in an activity, check out the library, check out the food bank, or get some information. This event is open to all youth 25 and under. There are volunteers and staff present including our support worker and a nurse.

Movie Night

Come on out and see a movie with a LGBT theme or character. Fresh popcorn and snacks are available. Movies are viewed by LCD projector on a big screen with surround sound. Movie suggestions are always welcome.

Coming Soon: Social Support for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth

This group will be open to lesbian, gay and bisexual youth 18 and under and will be held outside the Youth Project in a more accessible location. We are presently working on making these groups happen so stay tuned...

Wilde Youth

Wilde Youth is a writing group for all LGBTQ youth, ages 25 and under, hosted by the YP’s own Community Educator Nolan. Do you like to write? This group gives you a chance to be creative, discuss ideas, and learn helpful writing techniques. Wilde Youth meets the first Tuesday of every month at the Youth Project.

Events

Throughout the year the Youth Project holds several special events. Some of these occur every year and some vary from year to year. Here are some examples of the special events held at the Youth Project over the years. Check out our calendar to see what’s coming up.

Prom

Every year, the Youth Project hosts a prom for LGBT youth and their friends. The prom is held at a local Halifax hotel and is a night for youth to dance the night away in an environment that is free from harassment and judgment. Each year the prom has a theme and the space is transformed to match the theme. Many choose to dress according to the theme, but everyone can dress however they feel comfortable. Past themes have been Alice in Wonderland, the Wild, Wild West, Pirates and Superheroes. Another feature of the prom are the prom photos. All those who attend will have the opportunity to have a prom photo taken and can leave with a lasting memory of the evening.

Pride Week

Every year the Youth Project hosts a number of events for Pride Week. Some events change from year to year, but we always have a float in the parade. Here is an example of some of the things we have done for Pride Week:

Workshops

The Youth Project has hosted several workshops on various topics from health to the arts. These workshops provide youth with the opportunity to learn new skills and build on their talents and interests. Here are some examples of workshops the Youth Project has hosted:

• Song Writing
• Theatre
• Pottery
• Safer Sex
• Creative Writing
• First Aid/CPR
• Suicide Intervention
• Dance
• Zine Making
• Drag
• Film Making
• Radio broadcasting

Guest Speakers

Over the years, the Youth Project has hosted several guest speakers and performers. These include authors, musicians, politicians and other influential and interesting people. Some of our guest speakers and performers have included:

• Ivan Coyote (Canadian author and storyteller)
• Lucas Silveira and the Cliks (transgender singer and his band)
• Svend Robinson (out gay member of Parliament)
• Lindsay Willow (out lesbian teacher who won a human rights case in Halifax)
• Marc Hall (gay student who fought to take his boyfriend to the prom)
• Rae Spoon (transgender singer/songwriter)
• Nolan Natasha (transgender MC)
• Alexa McDonough (former NDP leader)
• Bear Bergman (author, playwright and activist)

Activity Nights

Throughout the year the Youth Project hosts several nights featuring various activities. These nights are an opportunity to focus on specific activities that can be enjoyed by all. Some examples of these are:

• Arcade night (or more specifically Rock Band night)
• Craft night
• Board game night
• Luau night

Clubs

The Youth Project has several clubs or groups running based on the shared interests of youth. Keep checking back for new clubs and let us know if you want to start a club at the Youth Project. There may be youth out there who have the same interests. Here are the two clubs currently running at the Youth Project:

Youth Project Film Co-op

This group gets together and produces videos about LGBT issues and the Youth Project. The videos will be posted on the Youth Project YouTube channel and used during presentations and workshops. If you have an interest in film and video, this could be the club for you. Community volunteer are present with film and video experience to assist with projects.

Book Club

This group is for LGBT youth who love to read. If you are a reader and want to discuss LGBT themed books with your peers, join the Youth Project Book Club. Members meet to discuss chosen books. Often we are able to bring in the author to talk about the book and answer questions. So far we have welcomed Linda Little and Kristyn Dunnion.

Connect the Dots!

Connect the Dots is an exciting new program The Youth Project is offering with the support of the IWK and Halifax Public Libraries. Connect the Dots is a social support group for youth, ages 18 and under. It gives youth an opportunity to chat with their peers, make connections in a safe and supportive space, and take part in some fun activities!

Currently, Connect the Dots meets in three library locations in HRM:

Sackville Public Library
2nd Tuesday of the month
6:00-8:00

Cole Harbour Public Library
3rd Tuesday of the month
6:00-8:00

Sir William Spry Library
Last Thursday of every month
6:00-8:00

How can I take part?

Just show up and come on in! There’s no formal sign-up process to take part in a Connect the Dots meeting.

Can anyone go?

Meetings are open to ALL youth ages 18 and under, no matter your sexual orientation or gender identity. You will never be asked to identify yourself in ways.

What happens there?

Meetings will be split into half discussion (maybe you want to talk about coming out, or labels, homophobia in your school, or what’s happening lately in your life) and half activity (we have a button-maker and tons of fun stuff!) if those attending want to stop discussion to do something fun. What we talk about or do is up to the people there. Connect the Dots is also a confidential space.

Who facilitates?

Each meeting is facilitated by trained staff and volunteers from The Youth Project.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kristen Sweeney, the Youth Project’s Outreach Coordinator & coordinator of Connect the Dots!

kristen@youthproject.ns.ca
429-5429

Gay Straight Alliances

The Youth Project is a big supporter of Gay Straight Alliances. A Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) is a youth led school group that works to make schools safer for LGBT youth. GSAs are for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities and are a great way to meet friends, create a safe place within the school, and work to make schools safer. To find out more of what we can do to help support GSAs click here.

The GSA Network is now online! This network will allow GSAs to register their GSA on our online network, and search for other GSAs in Nova Scotia.