New Mentoring Program Launches for 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth in Victoria

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria (BBBSV) has announced the launch of a dedicated group mentoring program aimed at supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in the Greater Victoria area. Named PRISM, this initiative will serve youths aged 14 to 18 by providing a safe and affirming environment where they can connect with peers and trusted adult mentors who understand their unique experiences.

The PRISM program is designed to address the issues of isolation and mental health challenges faced by young individuals identifying as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Through regular group meetings, participants will engage in discussions, creative activities, games, and youth-led programs that foster connections, build confidence, and cultivate a sense of belonging.

James Barbeiro, the coordinator for PRISM, highlighted the critical need for such programs. “In Canada, one in three transgender youth will attempt suicide. These risks are compounded by ongoing exposure to discrimination, misinformation, and hostility in media and public discourse,” he stated. The program addresses these alarming statistics by offering mentorship that has historically filled gaps where family or social support may be limited.

Program Details and Support Structure

Adult mentors for the PRISM program are either members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or allies who have shown support. They will undergo thorough training to ensure they provide inclusive and identity-affirming guidance, serving as positive role models for participants. BBBSV employs a robust child-safety process, which includes criminal record checks, interviews, and ongoing training. Additionally, mentors receive specialized education focused on supporting queer and questioning youth.

The necessity for initiatives like PRISM is underscored by the higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide risk among 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. According to BBBSV, community support is vital for sustaining and expanding PRISM as well as other youth mentoring programs, especially since local funding primarily supports these initiatives.

A grant from the Victoria Foundation helped kickstart the program, but BBBSV is actively seeking further community involvement. The demand for mentoring services in Greater Victoria currently exceeds available resources, emphasizing the urgent need for support.

How to Get Involved

The PRISM program is now accepting applications from families within the Capital Region, with the first sessions set to begin in January 2026. Interested families can submit applications online at victoria.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/prism/. Those wishing to volunteer as mentors are encouraged to reach out to the organizers for more information. Barbeiro can be contacted directly at 778-404-1721 or via email at [email protected].

Community members interested in supporting youth mentorship at BBBSV can make donations at victoria.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/donate/. The establishment of the PRISM program represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive community for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, offering them the support and connection they need to thrive.