B.C. rep calls for more gender-diverse youth support

B.C.’s representative for children and youth is calling on the provincial government to identify and implement policies to support gender-diverse children — especially those in care.

Jennifer Charlesworth says 44 per cent of two-spirit, transgender, nonbinary and other gender-diverse youth in government care reported suicidal thoughts and self harm compared with 14 per cent of cis-males and 22 per cent of cis-females.

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Charlesworth explains the lack of such care — from medical intervention to social support — can cause further harm and trauma for the youth in a time when LGBTQ2S+ groups are facing an influx of hate and violence.

“Two Spirit, trans, non-binary, gender diverse young people have multiple co-occurring support needs and yet the supports they received are siloed,” she said. “In addition, culturally relevant and wraparound supports are largely missing.”

Charlesworth says “evidence is clear” that the negative experiences gender-diverse young people often go through are preventable.

“When we know better, we must do better.”

“When children and youth are valued, nurtured, affirmed and receive the care and supports that they need, their outcomes are similar to their cisgender counterparts,” she said.

Charlesworth says her office is recommending the Children’s Ministry create at least two provincial positions to support staff and caregivers of gender-diverse children, and that the Addictions Ministry review the mental health needs of the group.

With files from The Canadian Press and John Ackermann