Women’s shelter and McMan team up for art display of LGBTQ2S+ views on healthy relationships
By Medicine Hat News on November 27, 2018.
Medicine Hat News The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society and McMan Colour Me Free are inviting the public to a three-day art exhibit featuring the work of local LGBTQ2S+ youth that explores how they see healthy relationships. Strong Hearts will be on display Nov. 27-29 at the Den at Medicine Hat College (located by the Students’ Association of MHC Office). A public reception to celebrate the exhibit will take place today at 6 p.m. “It’s vital to give LGBTQ2S+ youth a voice on issues affecting them,” said Kaitlyn Rebmann with the McMan Colour Me Free program. “When it comes to family and dating violence, there are unique dynamics these youth may face, such as isolation, control over their identity, or fear and threats of being outed.” As part of the Strong Hearts project, the MHWSS ran programming about healthy relationships with local Gay-Straight Alliance clubs at schools and the McMan Colour Me Free safe space program. This became a launching point for youth to create the pieces of art that will be on display over the three-day period. “November is Family Violence Prevention Month, and a key part of prevention is education and awareness work with youth,” said Natasha Carvalho, MHWSS executive director. “We hope this project inspires youth to speak up and become advocates for themselves and others.” 8-7
