Community Workshops
We believe that strong communities are free of homophobia, transphobia, and sexual violence. That’s why we offer ongoing programing that promotes 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and consent to youth. Contact us today to learn about possible collaborations, opportunities for funders, and how to join our programs!
Ongoing Programs
Back Talk - Poetry Program
The Back Talk program supports queer and questioning youth in using poetry and spoken word to discuss experiences with topics including sexual violence, queerness, and resilience. The Back Talk Collective shares poetry to educate, inspire, and most importantly: Talk Back. The program culminates in the creation of a published chapbook of poems, as well as several performances across the Greater Toronto Area.
The Back Talk program is currently offered to youth at Friends of Ruby every Thursday. Both online and in-person sessions are offered.
To join Back Talk, contact Canvas Programs
If you're interested in supporting Back Talk, buy a chapbook here.
Youth Arts Action Committee (YAAC)
YAAC is an exciting multiweek art workshop series run hosted at middle schools in Peel region. Youth aged 10-14 explore artistic methods, mediums, as well as personal identity through this community oriented, queer-led art program! Each week participants learn how to use art to express meaning, utilizing a range of materials. Contact us to learn how to participate.
Proud To Be Me
Download our new body image program for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. Since 2004, the Dove Self-Esteem Project has been working to build body confidence in young people all over the world. Canvas joined forces with Dove, body image experts, and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to co-design Proud To Be Me. This new evidence-based tool addresses: (1) societal appearance ideals, body diversity, and exploring beauty beyond the binary; (2) accurate, inclusive language, pronouns, and how to avoid misgendering; (3) the spectrums of gender identity, sexual identity, and how to make sure no one is left out, or forced into a category that doesn’t fit who they are; and (4) challenging negative body talk, body activism.
Created for Gay-Straight Alliance programs, 2SLGBTQIA+ clubs or youth centers, Proud To Be Me is a two-hour body image program, specifically created for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and allies aged between 10 and 14. The aim of the program is to promote an open and honest dialogue around body positivity in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community – as well as boosting self-esteem, encouraging unique self-expression and exploring the cultural messages and appearance pressures that can discourage being authentic. Download and run the program in your space today or contact us to book expert 2SLGBTQIA+ facilitators to run the program with the youth you serve.
Want to bring an ongoing program to your community space?
If you are interested in arts-based consent or 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion programming for your community, contact us. We’re always looking for equity-seeking organizations to partner with us on our mission to prevent homophobia, transphobia, and sexual violence.