Carl Meadows remembers what it was like to be bullied. Four different high schools in as many years isn’t the typical high school experience for Canadian youth. Unless of course, you’re different.
Ours isn’t a world where LGBT kids are always safe or supported at school, but Meadows and his partner Les Dick are determined to change that. Their annual Fall Gala, in support of Out In Schools takes place this Saturday at the Chinese Cultural Centre, with the aim of drawing attention and financial support to the amazing work OIS does.
“As an adult I realize how important it is to ensure the kids of today deserve a safe place to learn, explore, thrive and be celebrated,” Meadows stresses.
Out In Schools is a non-profit organization working hard to make sure all youth in the BC school system feel safe, proud, and visible. Through the narrative of film, they’re facilitating dialogue around bullying, homophobia and transphobia, for a more inclusive learning environment.
Meadows isn’t the type to sit still for long; he and his team at the Foundation of Hope launched STRUT this past June, a fundraising effort to support LGBT refugees, and earlier this month, he was nominated for a Power of Peace Award from the YMCA.
Combining a focus on serious social issues with all the fabulous, colourful fun he can muster is what Meadows does best, and the gala is his baby. What began as a backyard potluck, has now grown into the event of the season.
This year’s theme, Propaganda, challenges a diverse crowd of dapperly dressed supporters to “join the movement and fight the good fight” during an evening of live performances, generous raffles, and a live and silent art auction, all hosted by the stellar Symone Says.
“There were many times in my life where I contemplated suicide,” Meadows says. “The reality is that I am not a ‘special’ story and this is a narrative that needs to change.”
• Propaganda gets underway at 7pm this Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver and tickets are available at staggered cost to ensure accessibility.
