Our History
In 2008, altView started as a support group for LGBTQ youth; LGBTQ meaning Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer. As the group has evolved, so too has the language we use. Instead of expanding LGBTQ, it was decided that it was still too confining and a different option should be chosen. Another option is "queer" which does have an umbrella effect, but is very politically charged. As a result, it might be used by youth, but as much by possible funders and other youth serving agencies. The University of Alberta's Institude for Sexual Minority Studies and Services uses Sexual Minority to cover a brauder spectrum of people. This too however is problematic as sexuality does not neccesairly mean people of differing gender roles and attributes. In order to serve as many people as possible, when altView became a foundation, it was decided we would use Gender Variant and Sexual Minorities. This way we can serve pretty much anyone who feels that they do fit perfectly into a catagory (and should not have to)
The gorup its self started on a bi-weekly basis with the following goals.
1. Develop a sense of belonging and community
2. Encourage leadership development amongst LGBTQ and straight-ally
youth.
3. Allow youth to feel free to speak their minds and express them selves in a
positive, productive manor
4. Facilitate the creation of support systems for youth at-risk for violence and
self-harm
5. Challenge homophobia, heterophobia and other forms of discrimination
6. Educate LGBTQ youth about themselves and the world in which they live,
in a healthy and safe environment
7. Empower LGBTQ youth to develop self-esteem and the ability to know
their rights and responsibilities as members of our society
It was not long before it became clear that altView needed to become a weekly program. The support we recieved from the community has been tremendous. Initially, altView ran out of Next Step Outreach school. Unfortunatly, the school was not available during the summer which left the group with a tough decision. Ultimatly we decided that we needed to move for consistancy. (A special thanks to Next Step Outreach for their continued support is needed here as without their staff, altView may not have become as successful as we now are.) AltView found a new home a SAFFRON who have hosted us ever since.
In 2009, the facilitators and youth of altView voted to move forward with the group and transform altView into a non-profit society in order to expand our services and apply for funding to support our programs. in 2010, that became a reality and now we serve more youth through several initialtive including the continuation of the youth group.
Check out our old banners for activities for altView here.
For all General Inquiries and Suggestions, please contact us at
