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continued from p.5 at different locations, but this year's event was organized by youths as part of a much-needed provincial operating grant PSN received. "We received a four-year youth opportunities grant for nearly $1 million from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to engage queer and trans youth in Halton and provide them with life skills and job readiness and peer connections," Logan said. "One of the obligations within the grant is the youths have to put on one event each year. "So my Youth Action Committee immediately jumped at the idea of organizing this year's event. My youth co-ordinator and I were there to help them, but the 16 incredible and amazing youths in the committee led the event. They came up with all the ideas. "The youth opportunities grant fit perfectly. My grant was ending. Now we have financial support to allow us to do all the programming we want and to engage youth across Halton." Those attending the event browsed numerous information booths, including those run by the YMCA, SAVIS, Halton Region Health Department and Danielle's Place. Halton Regional Police officers also handed out free pizza during the late afternoon. Various youth singers and performers took to the bandshell stage in the evening. Logan has seen some dramatic changes over the 16 years the event has been held. "When I started this kind of work, parents would come to me and say, their kid just came Annual event a chance to celebrate and raise awareness out, fix him," Logan said. "Now there has been this amazing shift. Parents come to me and say, their kid said they were transgender. What does that mean? How do I help him? Do you have a group for him? "Parents are now really engaged in their kids' lives. They just get it. It's like, I'm gay, but I'm so much more than that. It's just one piece of me." PSN currently runs six different programs for youths. All had information booths at the event. "I hope the event raised our profile and showed the community how there are some really amazing youth in Halton doing, and who will go on to do, some really amazing things," Logan said. "They're no longer isolated. They've got the support of their families. They're not dealing with stresses of school and work and society on their own. They're not isolated and falling into mental health risks of suicide and drug addiction. We want more youth to know we're here for them." Another big change over the years is the increase in queer and trans people in Halton's growing black population, Logan said. "They're dealing with being black and gay," said Logan, noting they face potential multiple oppressions. "We're also seeing big changes in the acceptance of faith-based organizations of every denomination opening their doors." Despite the support, some people still slip through the cracks. This year's event was also dedicated to Peter Drozdiuk and Jacob Vandecamp, both of whom passed away due to accidental drug overdoses. Their close friend Vanessa Rago, 19, helped the families organize a fundraising party to celebrate their lives earlier this year and they presented a cheque for $2,600 to the PSN for its ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids) programs. "They were amazing, talented and very sociable people," said Rago, 19, who attended high school with them. "They were good and passionate people who just got mixed up with drugs." Among the activities at the event was a booth, where people could dress up in drag and have their photo taken. It was organized by Alyy Patel, 18, a member of the Youth Action Committee. "An event like this is absolutely crucial, especially this year because it was youth-led," said Patel, who is studying criminology at the University of Toronto. "It was directed entirely towards youth by youths. "Halton is a very traditional family-oriented area. So having an event that celebrates queer and trans youth also makes them feel they have a place to celebrate their lives so they don't feel as if they're alone. "I love attending the Toronto Pride day, but nothing has made me happier than knowing that my area is celebrating this and that there are queer and trans identified youth in my community that I can meet." 9 | Thursday, August 20, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Your roadmap to clear skin 45 minute Organic Teen Facial e e r F r e t boos Facial includes: umnt! serm e t a tre cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, masque, moisturizer. Tips on how to achieve flawless skin! $ *Value $75 55 905.842.7465 · 1011 Upper Middle Rd East Book your appointment today! www.prettyinpinkspa.com FREE burgers, hot dogs & cake for our valued customers Saturday August 22nd from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm It's our Birthday Bash! 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