The Importance of a Chosen Family

Friends of Ruby is launching Chosen Family Day to raise awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQI2S youth, and to celebrate existing Chosen Families who help them through these challenges.

For those who haven’t yet found their Chosen Family, Friends of Ruby is here to provide support and housing when they need it most.

For LGBTQI2S youth who come out, family rejection can have devastating consequences on their mental health, career prospects, and even physical safety.

They are 14 times more likely to attempt suicide and engage in substance use than their heterosexual peers.

As a result, these youth are overrepresented amongst Toronto's homeless and precariously housed population, with 25-40% identifying as LGBTQI2S.