Izzie

When COVID hit, the one (2SLGBTQ+) group that I was a part of closed, and we were all left without that community and support.

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I don't remember how I found you guys, but I saw that post about "Reaching out is hard, let us do that part" - and it's so true - and I thought it would be really nice to have someone to talk to each week.

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When I opened up to you guys about my substance use, there was no judgement. Even though I see my psychiatrist regularly, they weren't able to pick up on my struggles with substance use, with remote appointments. It meant a lot to be able to talk openly, and without judgement, to people who get it.

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It means a lot that there are community members, taking time out of their day, to message me. Even though I know my case workers and mental health supports care, it is something special to feel that my community cares about me.

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It's different when it's (2SLGBTQIA+) Community that is supporting you. I don't have to explain my identity, or all the things that come along with it. They just *get* it.

It's so frustrating that services just stop when you're 25. I'm losing so many of the supports that have been with me over the years.

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The government needs to support mental health. I keep seeing announcements of funding for infrastructure, or business, and I'm like, people are having such a hard time right now. We need more supports, now more than ever.