About Us

QSpeak is a national program dedicated to fostering a better connected and informed community of LGBTQ+ high school students in Canada.

Participants register for the program and are matched with 3-4 other students, forming groups each assigned a QSpeak Ambassador (an LGBTQ+ identifying university student volunteer).

Each week throughout the program will be dedicated to a specific theme, which you will discuss with your groups for 15-30 minutes a week via text, voice, or video meeting. Past themes:

  • LGBTQ+ representation
  • Intersectionality
  • Queer communities

Throughout the program, we will be holding events in our QSpeak Discord server for participants to meet more LGBTQ+ youth from coast to coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fill out the quick matching survey and that’s it!​ After we’ve matched you with a group, a QSpeak Ambassador will get in contact with you with more information on how to meet your group members!

With the information from your matching survey, we’ll match you with your group based on the following information:

  • Similarity in age 
  • Your preference to be matched with someone geographically near or far from you
  • Your preferred communication platforms

The last question of the matching survey gives you an opportunity to make any special requests for your matches.

Each week will be based off a specific theme about being LGBTQ+. For example: coming out, representation in the media, and queer history. Each week will also have a central question designed to get you and your group thinking more about what it means to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community.​ The QSpeak Ambassador in your group will then find a time when all group members are free, and arrange a platform where you can all meet (Zoom, iMessage, etc..). During this time, you and your group will be having a  discussion about the theme, guided by the QSpeak Ambassador. Discussions should be no longer than 30 minutes per week with an average of around 15 minutes. ​Your group will also have the opportunity during meetings to participate in activities for the chance to win a $5 Starbucks gift card each! As well, your responses will be compiled into forms of art each week to visually represent our QSpeak communication.

Rules

Think before you QSpeak! For a full explanation of the rules, see our terms and conditions.

1

No judgement, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or disrespect of any form.

2

Should you ever be placed in an uncomfortable situation by your buddy, contact us at @q.speak (Instagram) or our email

3

If you need immediate support, consult hotlines

4

If you feel that your safety or that of any others is endangered, and you cannot deal with it on your own, please call 911.

5

Unless given written permission (via our email or Instagram), you may not replicate the content used in all QSpeak programs without reference to the original source. 

Hotlines:

Lesbian Gay, Bi & Trans Youthline:
1-800-268-9688

Kids Help Phone:
1-800-668-6868 OR text ‘CONNECT’ to 686868

Canada’s Trans Life Line:
call 877-330-6366

Crisis Services Canada:
call 1-833-456-4566 outside Quebec, 1-866-277-3553 within Quebec; OR text 45645