While the world has changed in the past few years and society in general is more accepting, it still isn’t easy to be a queer youth. It is hard enough dealing with puberty, school, friends and relationships without adding the whole "liking the same gender" aspect. While youth groups have been a vital part of the coming out process for several years, Calgary’s Inside Out has proven to have a successful formula. GayCalgary.com sat down with Facilitators Ed, Lucas, Jasmine and Ayanna as well as members Paul, Brad and Rachel about the group.

"Inside Out has always been a peer run program for youth 15 – 25 as a safe place for youth to express who they are [without having] to worry about being outed. [Anyone can] volunteer as a facilitator and organize the groups, it is all volunteer run. It goes in cycles as to how many people are involved, but it has been going strong even as the organization goes through its ups and downs," said Lucas, who has been with the group for three years.

Jasmine explained that the group offers a wide variety of things to appeal to today’s GLBTQ generation.

"We do a lot of discussion and support activities, but also have a lot of fun like survivor night or a ‘boost your ego’ talent show. Sometimes we have educational components such as sexual health. It is a mix of everything."

"The discussions center around issues like coming out, being transgendered, or bringing in people to do workshops on topics like AIDS, hate crimes and racism. We have movie nights, in the summer we play ultimate Frisbee," added Ed.

The group is very multicultural and has a higher percentage of female members, something that has lacked in past groups.

"It is an advantage that the group is so diverse, it creates such an accepting, safe space regardless of your background, race, sex, sexuality or age. We have a very diverse group and it helps for people to feel more comfortable. We did make an effort to have the facilitator team include all aspects of the community," said Ed.

Lucas took some time to reflect on how coming out for youth has changed even in the few years he has been involved with Inside Out.

"People are coming out younger and able to create a social group for themselves as young as Junior High, which baffles me. The group has become younger and younger as the years go on, which says something about how much more accepted homosexuality is. We hear a lot of positive stories about coming out, but the difficulties and experiences are the same as people have had in the past. Some aspects never change."

For members Paul, Brad and Rachel Inside Out has meant new friendships and support.

"It’s meant a lot more communication among a younger crowd.  There aren’t a lot of places to go when you are under 18. We have a lot more resources at our disposal – groups and websites kids can access without needing money from their parents," Paul said. Rachel has her own unique outlook.

"There aren’t a lot of places you can go and just talk. My Dad is gay and the average person’s response is ‘Oh my god, your Dad is gay? Blaaah!’ I don’t get that here."

One of the things that can be difficult is balancing member’s lives with the group. As a social entity, members meet and date, and as with any high school relationship, it can often have its fair share of drama and heartbreak. Inside Out works hard to keep the group drama-free.

"We ask that people be responsible. We ask them to respect the group, it is great that people date other people here and that they can be comfortable being themselves in the group but not in terms of being disrespectful," said Jasmine.

"The number one priority is to make it a safe space and that takes priority. As long as everyone is being respectful in this space during the time, things happen, people break up and it can be challenging to deal with conflict but we do the best we can and make decisions around what is best for the group," said Ed.

While the current membership and facilitators will eventually grow out of the youth group and into their adult lives, everyone hopes that their effort in maintaining the current group is picked up by future members and continues to be a safe haven for youth dealing with their sexuality.

"We want it here for future youth because it is a needed resource in Calgary. I hope it continues to exist and provide support," said Lucas.

Ed concluded by telling GayCalgary about opportunities to be involved with Inside Out.

"I think we are going through a process of change, we are seeking more facilitators, there is always a need for that, and the structure of the group is changing so that we have the peer support people who are 18 – 25. We are going to be adding a few adult facilitators as well who can add their experience and knowledge. We are looking for both types of people to be involved."

Related Articles

Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Gay & Lesbian Community Services Association | Calgary Outlink |