Out In Schools

05/30/2024

For the first time, our Festival’s dates will fall within the school year! We are thrilled to introduce school group screenings at to increase youth access to transformative 2SLGBTQIA+ stories made by and for the community.

Co-presented by Out In Schools and The Cinematheque, this FREE youth-friendly film program will be screened on Thursday, September 19 and Friday, September 20, 2024.

Educators are invited to reserve group tickets now on our website: https://outonscreen.com/vqff/the-future-is-q***r/

05/16/2024

At the end of April/beginning of May, we went on tour to Comox Valley/the unceded lands of the K’ómoks First Nation! Danny, Lydia, and Ian visited all 6 middle and high schools in the district and connected with around 1500 students, teachers, and community members!

Some of our highlights from this tour included:
⭐ a community session organized by the District Parent Advisory Committee (DPAC) and Comox Valley Pride Society where we spoke on a panel to engaged parents wanting to better support their q***r & trans youth in Comox
⭐ meeting many q***r and trans youth at QSA/GSA's who felt seen by the q***r films we shared
⭐ the teachers who helped make this tour such a success, responding to questions, sharing their learning journeys, and regulating their classrooms during presentations. One teacher whose child received a presentation early in the week surprised us with flowers 💐 when we visited her school!

Unfortunately, on this trip, we also witnessed the impact of increased anti-trans and anti-gay sentiments across BC and the country. We had students walk out of every presentation, and heard from q***r and trans students about horrific experiences of bullying and violence and lack of support from educators when they reported these incidents.

We followed up with school administrators to suggest ways for staff to best support students and to offer Out In Schools programs where needed. These incidents showed that our work is still very necessary.

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05/09/2024

The TROUBLEMAKERS inter-generational filmmaking program returns in its eighth year!

Aspiring young filmmakers ages 14-24 can participate in this FREE program to learn filmmaking skills and produce inspiring short films about LGBT2Q2s+ troublemakers (roughly ages 50+) in our community.

🎥 All sessions take place at SFU Woodward's late May-early June, 2024.
🎥 Final films premiere as a part of the 36th annual Vancouver Q***r Film Festival (September 11-22, 2024).
🎥 $250 honorarium for youth and elder participants.

Apply by May 15 to participate as either a youth or elder troublemaker: https://reelyouth.ca/troublemakers.html

Presented by Reel Youth in partnership with Out On Screen and Love Intersections.

05/08/2024

04/22/2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us or donated to our fundraiser screening of ! We were treated to a spectacular drag performance from .bukuru (filling in for who was out sick). We also had a special guest speaker, longtime supporter and former staff Sam Bourne, share some beautiful words in support of alongside his generous match donation.

With your support, we raised a grand total of $12,000 in support of the program!

We are so grateful for the support of our community who make our work possible. 💛 Special thanks to for their support of this event, as well as all of our community partners and volunteers.

Photos by & Out On Screen.

04/22/2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us or donated to our Day of Pink fundraiser screening of Summer Qamp! We were treated to a spectacular drag performance from Mx. Bukuru (filling in for Toddy who was out sick). We also had a special guest speaker, longtime supporter and former Out On Screen staff Sam Bourne, share some beautiful words in support of Out In Schools alongside his generous match donation.

With your support, we were able to raise a grand total of $12,000 in support of the Out In Schools program.

We are so grateful for the support of our community, which makes our work possible. 💛 Special thanks to Vancouver Film Studios for supporting this event, as well as all of our community partners and volunteers.

Photos by August Bramhoff and Out On Screen.

04/08/2024

This Wednesday at 6:30PM, Scotiabank Theatre! Join us for a short & sweet weeknight fundraiser show ft. a screening of Summer Qamp and drag performances from Toddy 🌟 https://outonscreen.com/film/summer-qamp-fundraiser-screening/

Set in rural Alberta, Summer Qamp documents a group of teens at camp fYrefly, a 2SLGBTQIA+ summer camp for youth, as they explore their identity in a safe space just for them.

Dressing up in your summer camp finest or in honour of is highly encouraged 💗🌞

All ticket sales and donations support the Out In Schools program, which brings life-affirming stories and discussion on 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences into communities across BC!

We are grateful to Vancouver Film Studios for their support of this event 💖

03/27/2024

“Buried within the woods of Alberta, Canada sits camp fYrefly, a haven for LGBTQIA2S+ teens, far away from the fierce political battle currently being waged against q***r expression and gender identity. Summer Qamp invites audiences into the innocence and joy of a summer away with friends, while never losing sight of the bravery of these young protagonists whose very existence is challenged in their normal lives.”

Join us to watch the heartwarming documentary Summer Qamp on April 10th and help raise funds to support , which works to transform schools and communities across BC into safer, more inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. https://outonscreen.com/film/summer-qamp-fundraiser-screening/

Summer Qamp Fundraiser Screening + Drag Show
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre (600 Burrard St)
5:45PM Doors
6:30PM Show

Ft. comedian and drag performer Toddy!

Out In Schools does the work on the ground to reach q***r, trans and Two Spirit youth across BC. With your support, we will continue to deliver this life-saving education. Help us reach our goal of $10,000 by buying a ticket and donating today.

03/15/2024

Pack your sunscreen and pink hair dye, because we’re taking you to ☀️ Summer Qamp ☀️ for our spring fundraiser screening with drag performances by Toddy! This family-friendly documentary directed by Jen Markowitz showcases the vibrancy and joy of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth connecting with one another and supportive mentors in a space just for them.

Set in rural Alberta, Summer Qamp reminds us who we’re fighting for.

All ticket proceeds and donations support the Out In Schools program.

Tickets on sale now! ☀️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 https://outonscreen.com/film/summer-qamp-fundraiser-screening/

Come dressed up in your summer camp finest–whatever that means to you!–and join us after the show for a runway hosted by . Drag and dressing up are encouraged but not required to participate. You are welcome just as you are! 💗

02/28/2024

Gavin, Devon, and Phoebe are on tour this week presenting to 11 elementary and secondary schools! Here are some highlights from the last few days including today 👚

On the last slide: a very talented student's portrait of Gavin!

02/28/2024

This we encourage you to think about ways you can support 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and create safer, more inclusive communities. Our hearts are heavy with the rise in homophobia and transphobia in Canada, the U.S. and beyond, but we know that it is possible to change culture and foster empathy through programs like Out In Schools. Together, we can turn the tide. ❤️

https://buff.ly/3MA1Gzj

02/13/2024

🥰 We love to connect young people like this Grade 7 student with stories that can move them to empathy and understanding.

Twin Sparks is available for free to educators on our Film Catalogue! https://outonscreen.com/film-catalogue/twin-sparks/

Synopsis: When a forest child’s inner fire spirit breaks loose, they frantically try to catch it before damage is done. Inspired by co-director Ollie Yao’s experience growing up trans, Twin Sparks is a beautiful tale of radical self-acceptance. Directed by Ollie Yao, Heather Yun.