Recent incidents of bullying targeting transgender youth in our community have come to Kincardine Pride’s attention, and we unequivocally condemn these hateful behaviors. These acts of harm starkly illustrate that our collective work to create safe and inclusive spaces remains critically urgent.
The disproportionate bullying faced by Two Spirit, LGBTQ+, and gender-diverse youth is a well-documented crisis. Research from Egale Canada reveals that 74% of transgender students and 55% of sexual minority students in Canadian schools experience verbal harassment due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. Recent studies by organizations such as Egale Canada and the Trevor Project confirm these alarming disparities, showing that queer and trans youth endure significant hardships—many of which have lasting impacts on their mental health and well-being. Additionally, The Trevor Project highlights that LGBTQ+ youth are significantly more likely to face mental health challenges, with bullying and discrimination contributing to alarming rates of depression and suicidal ideation. These statistics are not abstract—they represent real lives impacted by intolerance and hate.
At the request of a courageous community member, we are sharing a personal letter that brings this reality into sharp focus. This is not an isolated incident or a distant issue; it reflects the lived experiences of queer youth right here in Kincardine. These are the voices of individuals within our community who need our unwavering support, understanding, and immediate action to foster environments where they are not only accepted but celebrated for who they are.
By sharing this letter, Kincardine Pride reaffirms our commitment to standing with families and youth affected by these challenges. We call on every member of our community to join us in recognizing our shared responsibility to end bullying and discrimination. This is a call to action: to educate ourselves, hold one another accountable, and work together to ensure that every child in Kincardine can grow up feeling safe, valued, and free to be their authentic selves. Our hope is that this message will resonate widely, inspiring education, accountability, and community-led efforts to end bullying and discrimination.
Together, we can make Kincardine a place where all young people feel safe, valued, and free to thrive. Let us treat this letter as a call to action for a safer, more inclusive future.