Queer youth in Prince George have a safe space to hang out and connect at the Prince George Public Library – even through the summer and other school holidays.
The Library’s Queer Straight Alliance is open to teens of all identities.
“It’s intended for teenagers so 13-18 years old,” says Teen Programmer Michael Cruickshank. “We do all kinds of different activities. It varies. It’s really driven by the teens. It’s really just a safe space for LGBTQ teens and their allies to hang out and meet like-minded folks.”
Activities range from crafts, games and field trips to discussions initiated by the participants.
The program runs year round every second Tuesday – including this evening – 7:00 – 8:30pm at the Bob Harkins Branch. It started in February 2015 and Cruickshank says that makes it one of the first programs of its kind in the country.
“It’s such a cool and unique program. It is one of the very first QSA programs to be offered in a public library in Canada. I know we’ve grown some baby QSAs as well in other libraries in Alberta and British Columbia.”
This evening’s project will involve creating a banner for the group to march with in the Prince George Pride Parade on July 9.
“It’s not the first time we’ve been in the Pride Parade. The library has participated in the Pride Parade in years past. This is the first time the impetus is coming from the QSA,. That’s awesome, I think, that this time the library is going to be represented by the teenagers who are part of the QSA.”
Cruickshank says keeping the program going during school breaks ensures that queer students have a year-round safe space to go to.