The pandemic hasn’t stopped a camp that helps transgender teens and youth in Thunder Bay.
The annual week-long Gender Adventures Camp run by Children’s Centre Thunder Bay and NorWest Community Health Centres got underway Monday morning with a flag raising. Ten young people are taking part, including some from outside Thunder Bay who are able to participate through Zoom.
The educational camp features workshops and discussion about topics like gender, transgender healthcare, discrimination, and resources.
Spokesperson Jessy Bogacki says organizers want to make trans teens feel less isolated. They point out that while Thunder Bay has its own transgender community, young people may not be aware or part of it.
“These people, whether they be in elementary school or high school, just don’t often see people who are like them, [and] can’t relate to people on certain aspects of their life,” Bogacki says.
“They always think they’re going through these things alone, and when they come to a camp like this, they realize that there are people that experience things like them that can relate to their struggles and their triumphs,” they add.
The campers also get to connect with trans adults who are helping run the programming and delivering workshops.
Camper Cai Baker is 14 years old says they’re looking forward to meeting people and helping other youth who may not feel as confident.
“It’s a great way to connect with other people like you, and maybe even unlike you, because there’s so many different ways you can express yourself,” Baker says.
The camp finishes Saturday.
