About Us > Why?

Why?

Our Mission 

To engage youth through film in the promotion of safe and diverse learning environments, free from homophobia and bullying.

Why?

34% of queer youth say they have been threatened with violence at school

17% have been physically assaulted

71% have seriously considered suicide while 46% claim to have actually attempted suicide*

*1999 McCreary Centre Society’s study and publication Being Out: Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender Youth in BC: An Adolescent Survey

Out in Schools works with Gay Straight Alliances to reduce isolation and increase safety for all students. Our films showcase independent cinema made about, for or by youth. Facilitating discussion on queer issues centered on the films we present helps our community to be a safe place for students to learn.

We hope to encourage all students, and especially queer students, to develop a cultural voice and seek out media and art that speaks to and represents their individual identities.