BBBS Oxford Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ Community

Tuesday, 2 May 2023 06:54

Photo Credit: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County Facebook page

"Our agency is about igniting power and potential, not extinguishing it." - BBBS Oxford Executive Director Kristen Ralph.

OXFORD/NORWICH - Big Brothers Big Sisters supporting members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community following the recent Pride Flag decision in Norwich Township.

The Township passed a motion during last week's meeting, calling for a flag policy bylaw, so only government flags can be township property. Council also decided to not support a motion to declare June as Pride Month. You can find more details online here.

In a statement released yesterday, BBBS Oxford Executive Director Kristen Ralph said the agency is very disappointed in this decision. She believes it will have profound ripple effects, embolden hatred and create new adverse childhood experiences for young people.

Ralph says Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about igniting the power and potential and we need to lift each other over barriers instead of making them higher.

You can read her full statement below:

"As an agency that serves youth in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, we were very disappointed to hear of the decision made by Norwich Town Council on Tuesday regarding their stance on raising progress flags and recognizing June as Pride month. Young people who identify in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, or those who are trying to find themselves, are directly impacted by this decision.

Our agency works towards measurable outcomes like positive identity, mental wellness, social inclusion and empowerment. This decision, however, has and will do the opposite. Young people can/will look at their identity as a fault; it will create mental anguish and anxiety during an already tumultuous time; remove the sense of belonging and acceptance; and tear down their confidence, feeling rejected instead of empowered.

The decision made by the majority vote of council will have profound ripple effects, embolden hatred and create new adverse childhood experiences for young people who are already facing adversity. Our agency is about igniting power and potential, not extinguishing it. Let’s lift each other over barriers, instead of making them higher."

BBBS Oxford offers several youth mentorship programs, including the PRISM program for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. You can find more information online here.

BBBSOC Executive Director Kristen Ralph released a statement on Norwich Township's Council decision regarding their stance on raising progress flags and recognizing June as Pride month.

Kristen's entire message can be found here: https://t.co/fSIknSe8z0 pic.twitter.com/MhZT1asVZm
— BBBS Oxford County (@BBBS_Oxford) May 1, 2023