In 2022, the PEI Writers’ Guild (PEIWG) and P.E.E.R.S. Alliance came together to develop the Queer Youth Group Writing Club for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies aged 12 to 18.

The goal was to create a safe space for queer youth to meet several times a month, enabling them to express themselves through writing and work together to create a collaborative book that would be professionally published, distributed, and sold.

The project began with a tight timeline, but the enthusiasm and dedication of 17 youth participants played a role in making it a success. Over the course of the year, facilitators leading the Writing Club witness the young participants learn about themselves, hone life and writing skills, have fun, and grow more comfortable asking for help when needed.

“To see the group quickly develop into a supportive community with one another just made me feel hopeful for moving forward and for their writing,” said Shawn Hogan, Executive Director of the PEIWG.

The hard work and passion of participants were matched by the facilitators and local volunteers who showed up again and again to offer their time, energy, mentorship, and guidance.

“We were trying to create a community of youth, but we were also trying to create a community where youth know that there are adults who are doing this work and who are writers and they could see themselves in that,” said Vanessa Bradley, P.E.E.R.S. Alliance’s Community Education and Engagement Manager. “I think that we really succeeded there.”

Beyond its focus on writing development, the Club had a profound impact on the mental well-being and resilience of these young 2SLGBTQ+ community members and allies. In the final survey, 100% of participants responded “yes” when asked if writing club helped them feel less isolated. Additionally, 100% of youth said that writing club helped them build and create friendships.

The culmination of the Club’s year was marked by a successful book launch event held on July 24, 2023, just in time for PEI’s Pride Festival. It served as a celebration of the creative talent that the group channeled into their anthology, “Are We Friends Now?”: An Anthology By and About 2SLGBTQ+ Youth, which features a collection of captivating stories, powerful poems, and thought-provoking pieces contributed by the young authors as well as facilitators.

Although they were given the option to use a pen name, each of the youth chose to be published under their own name. The sense of ownership that they had over their work and the book was evident, said Bradley.

Those who attended the event had the opportunity to get their copies of the anthology signed by the authors— an empowering moment for many. “Watching them sign the book and having people come up and ask them… it wasn’t just theatrical, it felt more than that,” explained Hogan.

The organizations will continue to run the Club with meetings kicking off in September 2023. While there will be familiar faces attending, it is anticipated that the Club will grow with time to include new participants.

“My hope is to expand the community that we’ve started,” said Bradley. “I’m hoping some new folks join. I’m also just hoping that the youth continue to write and continue to talk about their writing with each other.”

While changes and growth can be difficult, inclusion and a sense of belonging are core to the Club.

“Moving forward, if we grow that community, I have no doubts that it will grow very naturally,” explained Hogan. “That’s a really sweet thing to think about… that there is no worry.”