about

our history

The Outloud Foundation for 2SLGBTQIAP+ community supports and services first opened its doors in March 2014 as a safe, inclusive space for 2SLGBTQIAP+ youth to connect with each other and allies, away from the intense bullying and high suicide rates still prevalent in their community.

Mia Soetaert was living in St. Albert when she was fortunate to come out to a supportive family who then discovered the lack of understanding, non-judgmental environments for other diverse youth discovering their sexuality and gender identities. Mia and her father Terry created the Outloud Foundation for 2SLGBTQIAP+ community supports and services, an Alberta non-profit incorporation, and started the twice-monthly adult-supervised Youth meetings.

Over the years, Outloud has grown from four youth in a church basement to a staffed agency that supports all members of the community. Outloud supports all ages and stages of discovery including juniors, adults, parents, and siblings. In addition to supporting community members, Outloud takes an active role in advocating for the queer community and providing training to organizations looking to strengthen their inclusion practices. To date, Outloud has served over 1000 youth and families and has provided education to over 100 professionals.

aim high

our goals

1

Provide safe and caring spaces and programming for the 2SLGBTQIAP+ Community in St. Albert and surrounding areas

2

Advocate for and amplify the voices of the 2SLGBTQIAP+ Community in St. Albert and surrounding areas

3

Build meaningful partnerships with other local organizations allowing wraparound style supports to youth

4

Educate the community on 2SLGBTQIAP+ issues

5

Provide training to organizations looking to strengthen their inclusion practices

6

Increase the number of safe spaces for the 2SLGBTQIAP+ Community across Alberta
Photos of our founders: Mia and Terry Soetaert

where it all started

our founders

Outloud was founded on a fathers love, and a daughter's quest for acceptance and desire to create a safe loving place for her peers. Learn about each of our incredible founders Terry and Mia Soetaert.

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Programs

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advocacy

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speakers

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events

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volunteer with us

Give back to your community by volunteering with us! We have plenty of opportunities, from helping at events and assisting staff during one of our programs, to sitting on our board. Outloud is a positive, inclusive, and supportive organization that welcomes all people to join us in our cause!

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change on a national level

Outloud Canada

Do you have a local 2SLGBTQIAP+ youth group, community resources, and team, ready to build your own local Outloud Canada city chapter? By popular request, we are developing our national Outloud Canada program and would like to hear from you! Tell us about your group, what you do, and what joining Outloud Canada would mean to you.

Contact us