Empowering Newcomer 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Through Art and Community
Funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada, TIES’ Voices in the Art (VIA) project hosted a three-part workshop series for newcomer 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. Using art to explore identity, settlement, and safety, the program provided a therapeutic, inclusive space for connection. Next, TIES will host a community art exhibition showcasing participants' work.
At The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) Centre for Immigrant Research, we have been advancing our Voices in the Art project (VIA) into workshops informed by the lived experiences, and insights of newcomer 2SLGBTQIA+ youth gathered through our previous research. Funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada, VIA included a 3-part arts-based workshop series for newcomer 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, along with peer support opportunities, and will host a community art exhibition to foster connection, community engagement, ally involvement, and public awareness. These 2-hour workshops took place over three days and provided a safe space for participants to create and discuss their artwork and lived experiences. Over these workshops, we explored three key themes: (1) The Newcomer Experience, (2) Understanding Gender-Based Violence, and (3) Navigating Intersecting Identities. By providing participants with dedicated time, space, and art making materials, we created a supportive environment where they could creatively develop and express their ideas. Participants responded very positively to these themes and to the opportunity to engage with them through artistic expression:
“Lots of supplies to make art, fun activities, helpful resources shared”
“Materials! Having access to art material is the best!”
With every cohort, we are fortunate to continue learning from and engage with our participants, whose perspectives and experiences continue to shape the development of VIA. We hope to further strengthen VIA as a promising practice that acknowledges intersectionality and creates a space for people with intersecting identities to express and share their lived experiences. When asked what the participants enjoyed the most, some answered:
“The facilitators create an inclusive and safe space for us to share our thoughts”
“Talking while doing art and engaging with others who share similar experiences”
“Connecting with others,” and that it was, “therapeutic to make art together”
“VIA has helped me also find my voice as an artist and it continues to help me shape myself and my work in Canada”
Looking ahead, we hope to continue building connections through ongoing peer support groups and gatherings. We also look forward to hosting a community art exhibition that celebrates our participants’ stories and diverse experiences.
