New drop-in centre for queer youth in P.E.I. provides hangout, learning hub
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Roisin Mullen didn’t have some ways to satisfy individuals.
Whereas there have been all the time different youths on the Confederation Court docket Mall meals court docket, COVID-19 had restricted choices simply because the Grade 8 scholar reached the age to start out branching out.
Colonel Grey had help for queer college students, nevertheless it wasn’t all the time straightforward to search out. When the gender-sexuality alliance (GSA) was introduced, it wasn’t given a lot promotion. And whereas lecturers had been out there, just one actually reached out to supply help.
So, Roisin discovered it exterior of faculty, going to the PEERS Alliance Queer Youth group. The hours for that group, although, are 6-8 p.m.
This left Roisin with a typical downside for Prince Edward Island youth — the place to go and what to do after faculty.
Now in Grade 10 at Colonel Grey, she and her friends have a solution with the PEERS Alliance Queer Youth Drop-in Middle.
“I largely come right here to do my homework,” Roisin mentioned in an April 21 interview, explaining the number of sources on the drop-in.
“There’s a pin-making machine, and I’ve seen different individuals determine that out. And ultimately there’s going to be a library the place you may truly take the books out. … And there’s board video games, so a few of the youngsters use the board video games, too. And there’s a Nintendo Swap over right here.”
At a look
- PEERS Alliance opened the Queer Youth Drop-in Middle on the group’s new location at 250B Queen St. in Charlottetown on April 4.
- Scott Alan, youth program co-ordinator with PEERS Alliance, renovated a part of his workplace to make use of because the drop-in.
- The drop-in affords craft provides, board video games, bean bag chairs, snacks and a library of queer books, all not too long ago bought particularly for the area.
- The Queer Youth Drop-in Middle is open 3-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Supply: Scott Alan
Together with the just-for-fun supplies, the drop-in is a spot for younger individuals to speak frankly about points that concern them — sexuality, drug use and no matter else is on their minds.
To maintain issues comfy, although, shoppers write questions on slips that go within the Discuss it Out field.
“There’s some actually good questions, and it’s all nameless too,” Roisin mentioned, giving an instance.
“One was speaking about relapsing into nicotine as a result of they had been attempting to get off nicotine after which they relapsed once more. And so they had been asking for help or different methods to not be on nicotine that they might not (have) considered.”
“There’s a pin-making machine, and I’ve seen different individuals determine that out. And ultimately there’s going to be a library the place you may truly take the books out. … And there’s board video games, so a few of the youngsters use the board video games, too. And there’s a Nintendo change over right here.”
-Roisin Mullen
Consolation to folks
Roisin’s mom, Heather, got here along with her for the interview on the drop-in. Heather mentioned it provides her consolation figuring out her youngster has someplace to go to satisfy individuals.
“It’s been actually, actually onerous for our youth, if you consider what’s gone on within the final two and a half years with the pandemic: being a young person, the place your entire social actions and skill to attach with individuals has been gone.”
Heather additionally famous the drop-in is vital as a result of queer youth don’t all the time have help from household and even associates.
“They know, like, there’s a door; they’ll are available. They don’t have to return with a good friend. They don’t have to return with their dad and mom. They’ll simply come after which be accepted once they stroll within the door. I believe that’s what’s actually vital.”
Roisin agreed.
“I believe different individuals would love that there’s a place they’ll go after faculty with out having their dad and mom drop them off,” she mentioned.
Logan MacLean is a reporter with SaltWire Community in Prince Edward Island.
