MLT Selects Youth Line As 2010 Beneficiary

The latest from Mr Leatherman Toronto

 Mr. Leatherman Toronto Competition Inc. (MLT), Canada's largest producer of leather events, is proud to announce the Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line (Youth Line) as the beneficiary of MLT's fundraising activities in 2010.

The beneficiary is chosen each year by MLT's three titleholders and approved by the board of directors. Mr. Leatherman Toronto 2010 David Ivey, Bootblack Toronto 2010 Aaron Bootboy Digger, and Mr. Leather Fellowship 2010 Devin Thompson will work throughout the year at numerous fundraising events to benefit the designated charity.

“Since its inception in 1994, Youth Line has been there to support youth who are dealing with questions and struggles because of their sexuality or gender identity,” says David Ivey, Mr. Leatherman Toronto 2010. “The MLT titleholders will lend a hand to Youth Line’s fight to ensure that no questions go unspoken or unanswered.

“Some queer youth can be lucky enough to find direct support in big cities. Youth Line is Ontario-wide and, being from a small town myself, I understand its importance in fighting isolation. Teaching young people self-worth and helping them build confidence means they will make smarter, more empowered decisions about issues such as safer sex and drug use, or in contending with bullying, harassment or predatory behaviour.”

Ivey also believes that an investment of time and energy in young people – and providing them with positive experiences in the queer community – will make them stronger community members who will become contributors, volunteers and leaders in the community.

“And having another queer youth to listen during a call or to chat with online can mean saving lives,” he adds. “Studies still show that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning youth are anywhere from four to seven times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.”

The Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line is a confidential toll-free service provided by youth for youth, and offers support, information and referrals specific to youth concerns. The telephone and chat lines are staffed by volunteers who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, two-spirited or queer. Youth Line sees no question as too silly and no problem as too serious. If the volunteers do not have the answers, they will listen and do their best to find the resources needed. Youth Line is sex positive and non-judgmental.