Adolescence can be a confusing time. It can be worse if a young person finds themselves questioning their sexuality or gender identity and unsure of where to turn.
Last year, Sherry Rapley, a psychologist at Ehrlo Counselling who is out, reached out to Kate Langen, director of clinical services, about starting a support group for youth at the Ranch who identified somewhere on the LGBTQQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning) scale.
“Essentially, the purpose of our group is to bring in any kids who may be having questions about their sexual orientation or gender identity, or they may be certain of their sexual orientation or gender identity and it may be different from the ‘normal’ that they’re used to seeing out there in the world. The group is a place where they can come and talk and learn about issues related to sexuality and gender identity.”
Sherry said that asking Cathy Clark, youth care leader at Kruzeniski House, to co-facilitate the group was a natural choice, and Cathy was excited to agree.
She herself hadn’t come out to her clients at the Ranch until a youth approached her about being bullied for telling his housemates he was bisexual.
“He was ridiculed, and I figured I was doing a disservice by not telling them that it’s okay. And after, I had boys coming up to me apologizing.”
Unit managers, case workers, and youth alike are relieved to have a program in place to support LGBTQQ youth in Ranch care. It’s filled a gap and serves to make the Ranch an even better place for youth to come and heal.
“The Ranch does a wonderful job of addressing a number of cultural issues and backgrounds. Being a member of the LGBTQQ community is just another one of those layers of cultural identity,” Sherry said. “Sometimes a youth’s sexuality and issues they’ve faced at home as a result of it can be at the heart of some of those issues that have led them to be at the Ranch.”
Cathy added, “A lot of the youth that we get come from communities where they learned that this was not okay. And we’re here to get them to unlearn some of the hateful mentality and show them they’re okay, and that they’re not the only ones.”
The group, which the youth have christened “True Colours” is a non-pressured environment. Participation is encouraged but not necessary. The youth discuss topics such as terminology, sexual attraction vs. gender identity, consent, and discrimination or bullying.
All information revealed in group is confidential – youth have committed to not outing one another or talking about others’ experiences in the group.
If a youth is interested in joining True Colours, they are encouraged to approach their unit manager or caseworker who can then contact Kate who will send a referral form.This session will last until December.
If youth are uncomfortable about joining the group, Sherry and Cathy are available for one-on-one sessions as well.
“We want to help reduce the shame and stigma and fear around identifying as somewhere on the LGBTQQ scale,” Sherry said.
“We need to be open minded at the Ranch,” Cathy continued. “Hopefully this will open minds – not only with the youth, but also with the staff. Hate doesn’t get anyone anywhere.”
