Standing Proud: Why Allyship to 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Is a Moral Duty

Every time I reflect on my role in the world, one of the things I feel most proud of is being an ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It’s not just a label — it’s a commitment. A commitment to listen, to defend, to fundraise, and to speak out when our values—or more importantly, the dignity and safety of queer and trans youth—are threatened.

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Why Allyship Matters

• Visibility equals validation. For many queer and trans youth, seeing people who support them — openly, unabashedly — can be the lifeline between despair and hope.

• We counter stigma and shame. Every time someone steps forward to affirm that love is love, gender is a spectrum, and identity is real, we chip away at the hateful myths that circulate in our schools, social media, and policy halls.

• We hold power accountable. Allies are needed not just at the social level, but politically: to speak against laws and policies that harm marginalized people, to vote, to march, to donate time and resources.

The Current Threat: Forced Outing and Parental Consent Laws

One of the most dangerous proposals being pushed in certain jurisdictions is legislation that would force schools to “out” students to their parents if those students request to use a different name or pronouns — even when they don’t feel safe doing so. This is not hypothetical. In some provinces, bills are being advanced to require parental notification or consent when students under a certain age wish to change their name or pronouns in schools (amendments to Bills 26, 27 and 29).

These laws are often presented under the banner of “parental rights” or “transparency,” but in practice they place vulnerable youth in impossible positions. They strip agency away from those who may not have supportive or accepting parents. They force youth to choose between hiding their true selves or risking being rejected or endangered at home.

The mental-health consequences of being outed are severe. A study found that when LGBTQ+ minors are outed without consent, they are significantly more likely to experience depression and stress. For trans and nonbinary youth, the risks are even higher. The safety, dignity, and rights of youth should never be subordinated to political posturing. (Almeida J, Johnson RM, Corliss HL, Molnar BE, Azrael D. Emotional distress among LGBT youth: the influence of perceived discrimination based on sexual orientation. J Youth Adolesc. 2009 Aug;38(7):1001-14. doi: 10.1007/s10964-009-9397-9. Epub 2009 Feb 24. PMID: 19636742; PMCID: PMC3707280.)

What These Bills Miss

1. They ignore nuance. Not all home situations are loving. Some young people cannot safely come out to family. They need autonomous space at school — a refuge.

2. They dismiss the importance of trust. Trust between a student and educator or counselor is fragile and earned. Mandated outing can destroy that trust.

3. They increase harm. For someone for whom family rejection is a real threat, forced disclosure can lead to homelessness, abuse, mental health crises, or worse.

What We Must Do — As Allies

Here’s how we can step up:

• Amplify youth voices. Share stories and content created by 2SLGBTQIA+ people, especially youth. Let their own perspectives lead.

• Educate ourselves and others. Read, listen, unlearn. Use our social platforms or dinner table conversations to dispel myths and misinformation.

• Support safe spaces. Fund or volunteer with GSAs (Gay–Straight Alliances), queer youth centres, helplines, and mental health organizations.

• Push back on bad policy. Write your MLA/MP, join public consultations, march, protest, sign petitions. Let legislators know you oppose laws that force outing or limit affirming care.

• Protect confidentiality in schools. Advocate for school boards that maintain the anonymity and safety of students who seek support.

• Show up publicly. Share your “ally story” — show others that support matters. Wear a pin, or attend an event. Whatever calls to you.

My Promise to You

To every young person navigating identity, I make this promise: I will stand guard so that you never feel alone. I will speak when your rights are threatened. I will listen when you share your fears, your hopes, your truths. And I will celebrate your courage every day.

I invite all who read this — whether you’re a parent, teacher, neighbor, or citizen — to join me. Let’s build a world where every kid can grow without fear. Where “coming out” doesn’t feel like a gamble. Where love, acceptance, and safety are the default.