McMan’s Colour Me Free program aims to educate the community on LGBTQ issues

Educating youth as well as the broader community about LGBTQ issues are equally important components of McMan Youth, Family and Community Services’ “Colour Me Free” program, says project supervisor Britni Chambers.

“The Colour Me Free program is based in Medicine Hat, and we have three main goals. One is to provide outreach supports and services to LGBTQ youth and their families — our demographic age group is 12-24 years old. Our other two components are to provide training and education to the community-at-large. That might include students 12 and up, or professionals in the community, or really just anyone who is interested in learning some more about being a positive and safe person ... The other is just fostering general community awareness.”

In terms of student education in local schools, Chambers says Colour Me Free works very closely with teachers to tailor programs to their requirements.

“We do have our menu of presentations we have prepared, and we can offer,” explains Chambers. “So usually if a school is interested in doing a class, they can go through and pick what best suites what they are thinking ... So there is crosscheck there to make sure schools are getting the education they want for their students.”

Age appropriateness is also an important consideration when deciding which course materials to offer, she says.

“Grade 7 is the youngest group we would present to, and it’s very much tailored to them. With our younger grades, it’s really about being inclusive, supportive, being a good friend; those types of conversations which we can have with really any person.”

In the two years Colour Me Free has been up and running in Medicine Hat, Chambers has been extremely pleased with the level of support and encouragement she has had in the city to ensure LGBTQ youth do not fall through the cracks.

“I think we have made great progress on LGBTQ awareness in the community,” states Chambers. “We know that LGBTQ youth have a higher risk associated with addictions issues, homelessness, mental health supports, and all these different things. The Colour Me Free project exists to try to increase their resiliency and their support systems so they can flourish and reach their full potential.”