The Foundry Cariboo Chilcotin is hosting six weekly drop-in nights for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
The free event, called Rainbow Rebels, is for those ages 12-24 and runs from Nov. 7 through Dec. 12, on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The events will be safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and allies to come together and hang with others while enjoying activities and local speakers a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ with lived experiences.
“We noticed there was a need for more safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth here in town,” said Rylee Smith from Denisiqi Service Society and the youth peer support worker at the Foundry. He’s been with the Foundry since it first opened in Williams Lake last year. The Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre is the Foundry Cariboo Chilcotin’s lead agency.
Smith and co-facilitator Kris Joseph from Interior Health are organizing the Rainbow Rebels meet-ups, and have put posters on the event on Facebook and at the Foundry.
The first event on Nov. 7 was a board game night. Nov. 14 includes conversations, a slideshow and activity. Nov. 21 is a collage night; Nov. 28, there will be a guest speaker; Dec. 5 is paint night; and the final night, Dec. 12, is a food and movie night.
While other pride-related events in town have been very supportive of youth, Smith said he’s excited to give youth their own safe space, allowing them to connect with other youth in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
For those wishing to attend the Rainbow Rebels, stop by the Foundry Cariboo Chilcotin at 51 Fourth Avenue South in Williams Lake.
For those with questions, reach out to the Foundry at 250-398-2185.
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