Always Here: 20th Rainbow Youth Forum a Resounding Success
On May 15th, the OCDSB hosted its 20th annual Rainbow Youth Forum. This year, we were thrilled to welcome over 300 secondary students from across the District for a day of community, learning and celebration.
The event kicked off with a keynote presentation from Kymani Montgomery, Executive Director for the Ten Oaks Project. Kymani, a Black, queer immigrant, shared insights on community building and the vital work of ensuring 2SLGBTQIA+ children and youth have the resources and support to thrive.
Attendees had the opportunity to join an array of workshops presented by students and community partners. These sessions fostered open dialogue and learning about 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, histories, experiences and community supports. Educators also attended a workshop on strengthening inclusion in schools. The day ended with a Drag Show and Q&A, featuring performances by local drag artists Adrianna Exposée, Mx. Tique and Morgan Mercury.
The forum offered numerous spaces for connection and engagement. Community tables invited students to connect with 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations and access valuable resources. Students could also visit the Quiet Room, get creative in the Art Space or refresh their wardrobes at the Clothing Swap offered in partnership with Thrive Select Thrift.
Spearheaded by the 2SLGBTQIA+ Pathways to Interdependence course, the event was a testament to the power of student-led initiatives. This experiential leadership course, which begins each fall, is designed for queer and trans students to embark on a year-long journey of self-discovery, peer connection and engagement with local 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations.
The class lent collaborative effort and vision to every detail – selecting this year’s theme, “Always Here,” choosing workshop topics, collaborating with community groups and designing welcoming spaces with vibrant decorations.
This year’s visual identity for the forum was developed by Wilbur T., who has been involved in planning and facilitating the event for the past three years, working with people from all over the District. Here’s what Wilbur had to say about designing the logo:
“I've designed graphics for the forum every year and always tried to challenge myself. I drew the Super Queeroes t-shirts and posters in my first year, and last year I drew the Brunswick Four in front of a trans flag sky. With RYF 2K25 being my last forum as a student, having graduated last year, I wanted to really push myself to create something I probably wouldn't have otherwise. I suggested we make the theme Y2K, as the first forum – twenty years ago – was in 2005. I created a few mock-ups inspired by Y2K logos and had my fellow facilitators vote. It was nearly a tie, and that's how we ended up with two logos. I spent a little over 43 hours on drawing, refining, re-drawing, and creating colour studies also voted on by the class. I'll be attending university in the fall, and really hope I'll be able to help with the forum and class as a teacher in a few years.”
The Rainbow Youth Forum was a truly memorable day, filled with pride, community and vital conversations. We extend a huge thank you to all the students, staff, performers, community organizations and presenters who made this day such a resounding success.
Always Here
