It Gets Better Canada Receives $1.5 Million in Federal Funding to Support 2SLGBTQI+ Youth

By Alex Orué, Assistant Manager, Global Programming

We are thrilled to share some incredible news from our friends and affiliate, It Gets Better Canada! The organization has been awarded over $1.5 million CAD in funding from the Department of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) from the Government of Canada to further their vital work supporting 2SLGBTQI+ youth. This transformative investment underscores the importance of creating safer, more inclusive spaces for queer youth and combating the rising tide of discrimination and hate they face.  

The funding will support two key initiatives designed to uplift and empower 2SLGBTQI+ youth across Canada. The first project focuses on strengthening It Gets Better Canada’s organizational capacity, enabling them to improve governance, develop a comprehensive Strategic Plan for 2024-2027, and ensure long-term sustainability in their efforts to support queer youth. The second project is a groundbreaking initiative to combat online hate and promote digital safety and literacy. With this funding, It Gets Better Canada is developing a new app tailored to the unique needs of 2SLGBTQI+ youth, set to launch in September 2025. This app will provide resources to inspire confidence, enhance online safety, and address mental health challenges, offering a lifeline to youth navigating an increasingly complex digital world.  

At a time when 2SLGBTQI+ communities are facing heightened threats and misinformation, this funding is a powerful testament to the importance of standing up for equality and inclusion. As Omid Razavi (he/him), Executive Director of It Gets Better Canada, shared: “This transformative funding comes in the form of two projects, both contributing toward our work to uplift, empower, and connect queer youth across Canada. During a time of increased threats and hate against our communities in Canada and beyond, this support from the Government of Canada is a vital lifeline that enables us to continue our mission with greater impact. It allows us to stand stronger against discrimination and misinformation, while fostering safer, more inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ youth to thrive on and offline.”

We are inspired by It Gets Better Canada’s dedication to their mission and grateful to the Department of Women and Gender Equality for its commitment to advancing equality. This partnership is a reminder that when we come together to support 2SLGBTQI+ youth, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all. 

Congratulations to It Gets Better Canada on this incredible achievement—we can’t wait to see the positive change this funding will bring!