“During Trans Day of Remembrance last year, our Trans Youth Mentorship Program participants came up with a performance called Letters to My Past Self, in which they read words of love and encouragement to themselves as children. This made me realize that I think of my work as a love letter to trans and gender? diverse youth everywhere – and to my younger self as well.

There is something healing in being able to support someone when they are still finding their way through this world and navigating their identity.”

TYMP cohort 2024

Bernardo facilitating tye dye activities during Youth Pride 2024

Bernardo hosting Trans Day of Rememberance 2025 at The 519

Trans Youth Mentorship Program participants reading their "A letter to self" spoken words.

“We have two volunteers in our program that I think of when I think of stories that stick with me. One has returned to school and recently graduated from the Transitional Year Program at the University of Toronto; this Fall, they will start postsecondary studies there. They have been volunteering with the program for more than a year now, and have turned into a trans mentor!”

When we asked Thomas, a Trans Youth Mentorship Program Participant and one of Bernardo’s program support volunteers, why he felt connected to the program, he said it was because the program was “run by trans youth, for trans youth. We need to gay up the world!” 

“Trans youth have been going through scrutiny and attacks globally. Our programs provide a place for them to find community and belonging while working together towards their goals. Together, we can create a future in which trans youth not only get by but truly thrive and can achieve their dreams.”