Youth Beyond Barriers (YBB) Program, Associated Youth Services of Peel (AYSP)

The Youth Beyond Barriers (YBB) Program provides confidential services for youth who identify within 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The YBB Program provides group support, individual counselling, and consultations and trainings to the larger community.

Groups: The YBB group brings together 2SLGBTQ+ youth to share their experiences and talk about issues that matter to them. The group offers support and education on a range of relevant issues and topics. Topics covered include current events related to queer and trans communities, relationships, and embodiment of sexualities and genders. It is an open group that operates year round. There are currently 2 active groups running: one in Mississauga and one in Brampton.

Counselling: Individual counselling allows youth to explore their identities and lived experiences, and uncover ways of moving, operating, and thinking that are helpful in their lives. The counselling component is community-based and utilizes a strengths-based, client centred approach. Additionally, support can be provided for parents/caregivers of youth involved in the program

Trainings/Workshops: The Youth Beyond Barriers Program provides a series of educational trainings and helps organize and support community events that raise awareness around queer and trans issues. Through the workshops, participants can expect to start thinking about how sexual orientation and gender identity interact with other parts of identity, to explore their own roles in oppressive systems, and think about how to create Anti-Racist, 2SLGBTQ+ affirming spaces. These workshops are designed as interactive, youth-focused, and are developed from a strength-based perspective.