Why can’t we as a people accept others for who they are?

More importantly, why can’t families and parents accept their kids for who they are?

These are some of the questions and points raised by Larissa Russell, a long time activist in the LGBT+ community in Canada, discussing how hard life was prior to laws of protection v. life among the LGBT+ community today.

What are the results of decades of misunderstanding and mistreatment of LGBT+ youth in Canada (and elsewhere)? Soaring suicide rates, double the number of youth bullied in schools, and so much more.

Listen to Larissa discuss all this and more in today’s podcast, along with some things she is now involved in to assist today’s LGBT+ youth.

Intro - LGBT+ Crisis in Canada

1.30 - Come from a Canadian gay family; lived in fear because no laws to protect them. Mom was gay, brother was gay. Result was growing up with a number of issues… like suicide. Realized she too was gay, after marraige, divorce… moved out of house at 14.

4:20 - LGBT+ community has highest suicide rate of any group in Canada. Due to non-acceptance.

Compounded within the youth of Canada. Estimated 20-40% of homeless* youth are LGBT.

10:00 - lack of support for LGBT kids results in 80% dropout rate* from school; need is to accept kids for who they are. Need to accept for who they are in general.

12:00 - “It’s about loving your kids” for who they are.

Pitch:

- “Queer Voices” new non-profit startup… give voices to LGBT kids
- creativity coach- help people with anything creative ….

- New podcast startup - Creative Soul Healing (LGBT, Cancer survivers, Creative people, healers)…

- Feb. will see a creativity “summit” she has put together on creativity and healing.