What is Gender Generation Project?
Gender Generations Project is a non-profit organization that provides a space for Trans, Non-Binary, Two Spirit, and gender diverse youth to gather to learn a variety of skills from Trans, Non-Binary, Two Spirit, and gender diverse mentors who specialize in the topics they present!
Who can attend the retreats?
Youth (5-18), young adults (volunteers) (18+), and mentors (18+) that are Trans, Non-Binary, Two Spirit, or gender diverse are all welcome to attend the retreats! Cisgender allies and parents are also welcome to help out at the retreats outside of workshops.
What happens during the retreats?
During the retreats, there are sanctioned times for mingling, workshops, open mic, and meal times. The retreats are centered around workshops but specifically are a space for the youth, volunteers, and mentors to connect, network, and get to know each other better!
What workshops will happen and what is the space like?
The workshops vary year by year but tend to focus on a group project that would be driven by and executed by the youth in later retreats. For example, the first set of retreats revolved around writing workshops and artistic creations when the youth and mentors were working towards building a book to be published (both books are now published and have been distributed!).
As for the workshops themselves, they are Trans only spaces and are dedicated to creating open dialogue and creative expression amongst the youth, volunteers, and mentors.
Who presents during the retreats?
Trans, Non-Binary, Two Spirit, and gender diverse mentors who apply to the program present at the retreat. There are many topics that are covered depending on the year and the mentors provide a description of their workshop to us to then present to the youth in the workshops during the retreat!
How much are the retreats?
The retreat is a free event!
If I am out of town, what accommodations are there?
For out of town attendees, we can arrange billeting with other participants of the retreat. You just have to let us know if you would require accommodations!
If I am financially unable to afford travel there, what can I do?
Gender Generations Project has a travel fund that we can utilize to assist BC youth in attending the retreats. Just let us know what you may need and we can coordinate together how to get you to and from the retreat! Travel funding is only available for youth participants.
I’m nervous about attending, can my parent(s)/grown-up(s) come?
Parents and guardians are welcome to come and help out during the weekend! Since workshops are dedicated Trans only spaces, they are able to stay in the common spaces and kitchen. They are welcome to attend the meal times and open mic as well!