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Gender and sexually diverse youth are at greater risk of homelessness. It’s estimated that of the 40,000 homeless youth in Canada, between 25 per cent and 40 per cent identify as LGBTQ2+.

Locally, 30 per cent of youth in OUTSaskatoon’s youth program had been homeless or without secure housing at some point in their lives.

The current shelter system both provincially and across Canada doesn’t reflect that need.

OUTSaskatoon is working with some organizations in the city toward creating inclusive spaces, without a gender binary enforced, said Niecker. But at the moment, Pride Home is the only one in Saskatoon, and one of a handful across Canada.

“To be a space where youth can come to live, just to live who they are, their most authentic selves, it’s pretty incredible,” Niecker said. “But it also shows how far the community still needs to go in terms of creating space for young people.”

A report on LGBTQ2+ healthcare released by the Standing Committee on Health in June recommended that the federal government fund shelters that consider the needs of LGBTQ2+ communities, especially trans and non-binary people.

It can be challenging to secure the funding to operate Pride Home, Niecker said. Federal and provincial housing programs offer funding for capital expenses at Pride Home, but not wages for staff or operating costs.

In order to give back to to the place he’s called home for over a year, Thompson, who was named Mr. Gay Saskatoon/Mister Diva’s earlier this month, selected Pride Home his charity of choice as he fundraises during his time in the role.

Those kinds of stories are what Pride Home is all about, Niecker said.

“The home really showcases the resilience of its occupants,” she said. When given the ability to showcase their talents, seeing the things that they then offer to the community is so moving.

“It’s pretty cool to be able to watch folks be able to grow and flourish and become the people who they want to be.”

amshort@postmedia.com