Search
Close Modal

Coming of age and embracing identity in New Brunswick

Published: June 06, 2024

Imprint Youth Association expands program for transgender youth to look and feel their true selves

“We try to give them everything they need to feel like themselves.”

Imprint Youth Association was established in 2015 in Fredericton, NB to support 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in the city to meet friends, attend events in a safe space, and feel affirmed.

To support transgender diverse youth specifically, Imprint Youth Association runs a program called the Gender Euphoria Celebration that does more than focus on a feeling—it also provides ways for them to look and dress the way they want, too.

“We provide clothing, haircuts, makeup tutorials and general workshops on what it means to be transgender,” says Nicki Lyons-MacFarlane, chair of the Imprint Youth Association. “It’s been kind of magical to see kids try on new styles and see them really start to come into themselves.”

Imprint Youth Association opened its first physical location in fall 2023, as the headquarters of the Gender Euphoria project. Prior to that, the organization would host its drop-in events, clothing swaps and other workshops in whatever space it could secure in the city.

“Having a permanent space has done wonders to increase our numbers and overall enhance the sense of community among our organization,” says Lyons-MacFarlane. “It’s come at a good time—there has been an increased need for youth resources in New Brunswick, particularly in the last two years.”

The association is entirely run by volunteers, and relies heavily on external partners and supporters to maintain and expand its programming. In fact, the Gender Euphoria project started during the COVID-19 pandemic out of a simple offer to provide makeup to youth.

Arrow An arrow pointing diagonally up and to the right

“It wasn’t really something that was on our radar—but it started a conversation,” says Lyons-MacFarlane. “Four years later, the program is still running strong.”

June is Pride Month, and as part of our commitment to building vibrant communities, Enbridge recently issued a $10,000 Fueling Futures grant to Imprint Youth Association. The funding supports the Gender Euphoria Celebration program by purchasing gift cards, care packages and clothing for youth, and helping to expand workshops.

One of the staple purchases for transgender youth is a chest binder—an article that can be costly and difficult to come by in Fredericton.

“Through the Gender Euphoria project, we were able to provide and mail out approximately 20 chest binders last year,” says Lyons-MacFarlane. “The program has allowed us to reach more people who generally don’t come to our space for a number of reasons.”

The Gender Euphoria program name cleverly turns the term “gender dysphoria” on its head and offers a more positive association with being transgender or gender-diverse.

“It’s so rewarding seeing kids come in to get the care they need and be able to fully relax,” says Lyons-MacFarlane, noting that the ability to offer resources not previously available to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults growing up in the city makes the program’s success even more personal.

“It’s a happy space for so many of us—myself included.”

You may also like