Queer and Trans Youth Safety
We all want youth to attend schools where they feel safe and can thrive.
Unfortunately, some political actors have created worry and mistrust around school policies meant to protect queer and trans youth. On social media, this mistrust has been ramping up emotions and division. And in real life, youth safety is being threatened.
But there is hope. When we come together as neighbours, community members and families to have real, empathetic conversations, we start creating a safer, more inclusive New Brunswick.
Download the Offline Conversation Guide
This guide contains tips to help you have safe and productive offline conversations.
Download the Offline Conversation Guide
This guide contains tips to help you have safe and productive offline conversations.
We Need to Talk about Queer and Trans Youth Safety
It is valid to have concerns about a changing society here in New Brunswick. We all want our children to feel safe and supported in their schools. Yet, recent policy changes in New Brunswick, such as revisions to Policy 713, have placed significant burdens on queer and trans youth. Requiring parental consent for students under 16 to use their chosen names or pronouns in schools can create unsafe and unsupportive environments for young people who already feel vulnerable. These policies exacerbate the daily struggles that kids, parents, friends, and neighbours face.
It’s normal to have concerns and questions about changes that impact our communities and the people we care about. However, fears are often amplified by social media, which thrives on controversy and division. Online platforms spread misinformation, creating echo chambers that make it difficult to have productive, understanding conversations.
To build a safer, more inclusive New Brunswick, we must step away from these digital divides and engage in real-life discussions. Research shows that in-person conversations can significantly shift perspectives and foster empathy. By getting offline and talking face-to-face, we can bridge divides, counter misinformation and build a future where everyone feels protected and valued.
Let’s embrace our New Brunswick values of community and compassion. Together, we can create supportive environments where all youth feel safe and respected. It’s time to take meaningful steps towards a more inclusive and understanding future.
