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Suggested Ways to Support Black and Asian Communities: 

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Suggested Ways to Support Black and Asian Communities: 

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Educate Yourself

Listen to Victims of Racial Hate

Donate to Worthy Organizations

Bystander Intervention Training

Support Black and Asian artists and owned businesses.

Spread Awareness

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Christie Carrière

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Chinatown Mall Project - Carriere, Christie's Portfolio

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Chinatown Mall Project on Carriere, Christie's Portfolio

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Orion's Podcast.

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In the year of 2018, I was discovering & coming to terms with my gender identity as a trans man of Caribbean descent. I remember being frustrated by the lack of positive representation in the media of POC in the LGBTQIA community. For this reason, I realized I had to take the initiative to effect the changes I desperately needed. Thus, Queer Black & Awkward was created.

Currently, I'm the only producer, editor & all fundings are coming out of pocket. In the long run, it will not be sustainable & I want to continue providing quality content on a consistent basis.

Patreon gives me the financial freedom to hire support such as an editor, marketer, engineer, rent a studio and so forth. Why am I on Patreon?
Although I like being a multi-hyphenate, I want to prevent unwanted burnout.

By becoming a Patron you are helping the podcast remain add free and sustaining the longevity of positive queer media we all deserve.

Please only contribute what you can afford. Thank you for your support & Stay Awkward!

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Queer Black & Awkward Podcast is creating Podcast | Patreon

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In the year of 2018, I was discovering & coming to terms with my gender identity as a trans man of Caribbean descent. I remember being frustrated by the lack of positive representation in the media of POC in the LGBTQIA community.

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www.instagram.com/glammagirlswag/

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www.instagram.com/tylerjsloane/

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https://www.instagram.com/pour_kid.tor/

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Black Artist Showcase.

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La-Vane Kelly is an Afro-Canadian, workshop facilitator, freelance writer, spoken word and visual artist who centres his work within BIPOC spaces. Self-taught, he often draws inspiration from his own experiences, living and interacting with different and diverse communities.

Recently, he has collaborated with BENTWAY and SKETCH Working Arts to produce works for public display, It's All Right Now answering the question " what words are you living by now?"

Currently working with Art Starts and TCHC as a jury member for the Leslie Nymark permanent public art project.

Involvement with Art Starts, VibeArts and Sketch Working Arts, has exposed him to many aspects of community development, art creation, the creation of accessible spaces and access to community resources.

La-Vane believes in the power of words and visual art as a tool for healing, self expression, external reflection, community engagement, and activism.

His dream is to create platforms for artists of all levels to publish their works and build the confidence to pursue their writing careers and visual arts interests.

His most compelling works centre around social justice, spirituality, love, mental health and the black experience.

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La-Vane Kelly is an Afro-Canadian, workshop facilitator, freelance writer, spoken word and visual artist who centres his work within BIPOC spaces. Self-taught, he often draws inspiration from his own experiences, living and interacting with different and diverse communities.

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www.instagram.com/queerasianyouth/

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Online Bystander Intervention Training

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Check out our book, written by the Right To Be team, for you.

Order a copy of our first book, I've Got Your Back: The Indispensable Guide to Stopping Harassment When You See It by Emily May and Jorge Arteaga. I've Got Your Back will take you through the 5Ds of bystander intervention: Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct, with each chapter diving deeply into how to put these 5Ds in action - whether you witness harassment in public, online, or at work.

I've Got Your Back is an invaluable resource in creating a new vision for our communities - one where we stand up for our neighbors, and our neighbors stand up for us.

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harassment training requirements by state

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Right To Be is empowering everyone to create a world without harassment and filled with humanity.

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Free Virtual Mental Health Counselling for Black Community Members.

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We Commit to Action on Anti-Black Racism

We recognize racism as a public health crisis that reveals itself in many ways: from microaggressions to physical violence to systemic perpetuation of power and privilege. These societal, structural and individual aggressions have had a significant impact on the mental health and life outcomes of Black community members.

If you're a young person, call us for a session if you're:

feeling sad, worried or angry

having fights with your parents

being bullied

dealing with a personal issue

feeling like you might hurt yourself

suffering because someone has hurt you

feeling like you are being treated unfairly

Or if there's anything else on your mind
If you're a parent, call us if you're:

concerned about your child's development

constantly arguing with your child or young person

concerned about your child's school progress

Or if there's anything else on your mind
Respecting and embracing the diverse needs of our community, we offer services on specific nights in variety of languages, and services to the LGBTQITT2S community.
Learn more about our QT (Queer Trans) walk-in

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Home | What's Up Walk-In® | Mental Health Counselling

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We Commit to Action on Anti-Black Racism We recognize racism as a public health crisis that reveals itself in many ways: from microaggressions to physical violence to systemic perpetuation of power and privilege. These societal, structural and individual aggressions have had a significant impact on the mental health and life outcomes of Black community members.

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A community activist group is “invested in intersectionality, fostering support, and creating social and educational spaces!

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Queer Asians including cis and trans women, non-binary folks, trans men and gender diverse people. We work our community to create connections, foster friendships, provide social support, host events and workshops, and serve our community! with and for

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https://www.instagram.com/friendsofchinatownto/

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Art and Wellness Resources

Your wellness matters to us. These are resources to connect to if you are in need of emergency help now.

Black Women in Motion - Resource and Referrals List
A wide-ranging set of mental health resources and supports throughout Toronto and region.

Skylark - offering Walk-in Services specifically to Black youth
If someone calls and identifies as Black they will be offered and can request to speak with a Black therapist, if this is their preference.

The Most Nurtured - Community Breathes Yoga (Inhale + Exhale Series) exclusively by and for Black womxn
WHEN: Every Thursday of June and July 8:00 - 8:45 pm via Zoom. (Eastern Time Zone)
https://www.themostnurtured.com/communitybreathes
Gentle yoga with an emphasis on self-care and emotional release. Class will start with a short self-care reflection followed by a yoga sequence with primarily slow movement and relaxation positions. All yoga levels are welcome. Join us for individual classes or the full series. This is a LGBTQ+, non-binary and trans-inclusive space. It is an anti-oppressive, and anti-colonial environment.

What's Up Walk In - Remote Counselling Appointments
Free Virtual Mental Health Counselling

To be connected to a counsellor for a telephone or video session, please call MHTO at 1-866-585-6486, Monday to Friday 9AM - 7PM.

Need Help Now?
Anishnawbe 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Management
416 891 8606

National Suicide Prevention
1-800-273-TALK

Assaulted Women's Helpline 24/7
416-863-0511

Toronto Rape Crisis Centre
416-597-8808

LGBTQ Youth Line
Text: 647-694-4275
Sun-Fri 4:30-9:30PM
Chat: Sun-Fri 4:30-9:30PM

Walk-in Counselling
What's Up Walk In Virtual Counselling
Mon- Fri 9AM-7PM
1 866 585 6486

Stella's Place Virtual Drop in Counselling (Ages 16-29)
Thursdays 3:00-6:00PM
416 461 2345
Call to book a same day appointment
See More

BeanBag Chat App
Peer Support & Counselling
Mon-Thurs 4:00-9:00PM
See More

Need to find Emergency Shelter?
Central Intake for Access to Shelters 24/7
416-338-4766

Eva's Place: Youth Shelter (16-24)
416-441-1414

Eva's Satellite: Youth Shelter (16-24) w/ Mental Health & Substance Use Support
416-229-1874

Art Transforms You

We're inspired by young people and the arts transforming lives and communities. Learn about how art can transform your life!

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Art and Wellness Resources | SKETCH Working Arts

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Art and Wellness Resources Your wellness matters to us. These are resources to connect to if you are in need of emergency help now. Black Women in Motion - Resource and Referrals List A wide-ranging set of mental health resources and supports throughout Toronto and region.

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Nia Centre is committed to supporting artists working across disciplines, and ranging in experience levels.

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What's On

There's always something you can be a part of. Check out our upcoming events & opportunities below:

Learn More

Union Station x Nia Centre presents: Here Again, At the Crossroads

March 23 - May 31, 2021

65 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E6
Exploring The Black Experience In The Historic Transit Hub

Learn More

Where She Went, We Thrived: In Conversation with Christine Nnawuchi

March 25 - 25, 2021
6:00PM - 8:00PM

Learn about the journey of a self-taught ceramicist

Learn More

Creative Catalyst Spotlight: Abby Adjekum & Samantha Dennis

March 31 - 31, 2021
6:00PM - 7:00PM

Shining a spotlight on emerging Black artists

See more events

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Nia Centre for the Arts: First Black Arts Centre in Toronto

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There's always something you can be a part of.

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Band Gallery is dedicated to supporting, documenting and showcasing the artistic and cultural contributions of Black artists and cultural workers in Canada and internationally

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Leyla Jeyte's series if they saw me, I would live, Kisumu, Kenya, 2016 will be up on the fence at BAND this spring!

Stay tuned for more details.

Presented with the support of Scotiabank.

image: man sitting beside thermos and cup, 2016

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Leyla Jeyte's series if they saw me, I would live, Kisumu, Kenya, 2016 will be up on the fence at BAND this spring! Stay tuned for more details. Presented with the support of Scotiabank. image: man sitting beside thermos and cup, 2016

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Black Women in Motion is a Toronto-based, youth-led organization that empowers and supports the advancement of black womxn and survivors of sexual violence.

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Black Women in Motion is a Toronto-based, youth-led organization that empowers, celebrates and supports the advancement of Black and African-Caribbean Diasporic women

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Reach Out is working to develop a team that will truly revolutionize crisis response and lead the way in a paradigm shift away from coercive, forceful, police-led intervention towards an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed model that will empower individuals in crisis and promote their dignity, autonomy, self-determination, and resilience.

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We are working to develop a team that will truly revolutionize crisis response and lead the way in a paradigm shift away from coercive, forceful, police-led interventiontowards an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed model that will empower individuals in crisis and promote their dignity, autonomy, self-determination, and resilience.

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We are working to develop a team that will truly revolutionize crisis response and lead the way in a paradigm shift away from coercive, forceful, police-led interventiontowards an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed model that will empower individuals in crisis and promote their dignity, autonomy, self-determination, and resilience.

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ACAS provides safer sex education, community programming, counselling, and other services to the East and Southeast Asian communities and support services to persons living with HIV/AIDS and members of the LGBTQ communities.

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LIFTED is dedicated to increasing access to mental health and wellness education and supports, with a focus on utilizing the arts, lived experiences, therapy, capacity building and innovation to increase meaningful education and healing practices, to increase the chances of young people and communities living productive and healthy lives.

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Lifted by PURPOSE An innovative, creative enterprise addressing mental health through the arts and transformative methods grounded in people's external and internal reality; to truly impact lives. Learn More Donate Today Lifted by

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Butterfly is formed by sex workers, social workers, legal and health professionals, and provides support to, and advocates for, the rights of Asian and migrant sex workers. Their programs help support, educate, and inform folks so they know their rights, their value and what health care access they have rights to.

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Cold Tea Collective is a new media platform, sharing the real stories, perspectives, and experiences of North American Asian millennials.

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It is not easy to share feelings. It can sometimes be even harder when you live in an Asian household.

However, the absence of these conversations is deterring individuals from seeking help.

Across the world, one in four individuals will experience a mental health issue at any given year. While strides have been made to increase awareness around mental health, such as the Bell Let's Talk Day campaign, stigma currently prevents 40% of people with anxiety and depression from seeking support.

The stigma runs even deeper in Asian diaspora communities. In the United States, Asian Americans are three times less likely than other racial and ethnic groups to seek out mental health services.

When you are struggling just to get by, the thought of revealing your condition to your family can send you spiralling into a black hole of "what if's", stoking a spectrum of shame and fear. These emotions are rooted in the cultural values that we've been brought up with, which traditionally discourages the expression of emotions and promotes self-control and stoicism. Ironically, these values conflict with the idea that sharing your feelings outwardly actually promotes personal well-being.

Others tiptoe around the subject because they just don't know where to start. Perhaps it's due to ignorance. Or perhaps it's the lack of language around mental health. Anita Cheung, the founder of In Bed with Betty, talked about how growing up, there was no word for mental illness in her family, other than "crazy".

While mental health remains a taboo subject at the dinner table, many public personalities from the Asian entertainment industry are breaking the silence. Celebrity chef, David Chang opened up about his struggle with depression on his podcast, following the death of fellow chef, Anthony Bourdain. Actress Oliva Munn has been vocal throughout her acting career about her battles with depression and a rare form of impulse-control disorder that caused her to compulsively pull at her eyelashes.

Last year, BTS, a group known for addressing social issues through their music, empathized with the pressures young people experience in today's society and urged those affected by mental illness to get help.

These stories send a powerful message: no one is alone in their suffering.

With more of these stories being brought to light, hopefully more conversations about mental health will be sparked everywhere, and not just around the dinner table.

If you or a loved one is dealing with mental health issues, we encourage you to get help. We have put together a list of mental health resources for the Asian community.

LIST OF MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
*Bell Let's Talk Day is a Canada-wide initiative to create a stigma-free community. Therefore, the majority of the services we have highlighted below are located in Canada. If you reside outside of Canada, we urge you to seek help at your local crisis centre.
CRISIS HELP

If you are in crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department or contact a local crisis centre ( https://suicideprevention.ca/need-help/).
Crisis Help Across Canada - Association for Suicide Prevention https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/
Call 1.833.456.4566
Text 'Start' to 45645
The Colour Project (Launches February 2020) https://www.thecolourproject.ca/
One-on-one anonymous text-based, stigmatization-free, peer-based support for individuals struggling with mental illness.
SUCCESS Chinese Helpline https://www.successbc.ca/eng/services/family-youth/counselling-service/
Provides support to Chinese Canadians who experience difficulties due to language and cultural barriers, and fear of social stigma. while demonstrating cultural sensitivity towards diverse values and beliefs.

Cantonese Helpline 604-270-8233
Mandarin HelpLine 604-270-8222

United States:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

24/7 Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Text TALK to 741741
Lifeline Chat
Asian LifeNet Hotline
1-877-990-8585
Available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean and Fujianese

ONLINE COMMUNITIES
Subtle Asian Mental Health https://www.facebook.com/groups/354874495069490/?ref=br_rs
A private online community providing an open and safe space for individuals of Asian descent to share their thoughts and feelings.
South Asian Mental Health Alliance https://www.facebook.com/pg/southasianmentalhealth/about/?ref=page_internal
The South Asian Mental Health Alliance moderates a mental health forum on Reddit.com, which offers a supportive environment for individuals from the South Asian community to discuss mental health, illness and wellness.

CROSS-CULTURAL PROGRAMS
Chimo Services http://www.chimoservices.com/
Offers adult crisis and suicide intervention counselling and parent education series; service offered in Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Japanese and Korean
Chinese Mental Health Promotion Program https://www.getsetconnect.ca/more-cmha-programs.html
The Chinese Mental Health Promotion Program improves the lives of individuals in the Chinese community by increasing awareness of mental health issues, promoting wellness through recreational and leisure activities and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.
Hong Fook Association
Provides mental health services to the Asian communities in Greater Toronto Area, including those of the Cambodian, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Korean and Vietnamese communities, in the areas of clinical service, family support and prevention and promotion.
Touchstone Family Association https://www.touchstonefamily.ca/programs-and-services/family-preservation/chinese-support-group
Provides parent education and support with a cultural emphasis. There are opportunities to develop social networking, parenting skills, sharing experiences, promoting friendship, community resources, enhancing family life and relationships.

United States:
Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers https://www.apctc.org/
Provides multi-disciplinary and culturally sensitive services to individuals, mainly in Asian Pacific communities, who are dealing with a wide range of mental health and social problems.
Asian Community Mental Health Services
Provides and advocates for multicultural and multilingual services that empower the most vulnerable members of the community to lead healthy, contributing, and self-sufficient lives.

Phone: 510.869.6000
Email: info@acmhs.org
Hamilton Madison House http://www.hamiltonmadisonhouse.org/
As the leading provider of behavioural health services for New York City's Asian community, Hamilton Madison House provides a range of community services, primarily those in the Two Bridges/Chinatown area of Manhattan's Lower East Side.

MULTILINGUAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
CAMH: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/information-in-other-languages
Offers mental health info sheets in multiple languages, including Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, Tagalog, Tamil, Vietnamese
Kelty Mental Health Resources https://keltymentalhealth.ca/
A provincial resource centre that provides resources in all areas of mental health and addictions, such as how to support children and youth with mental challenges and different types of therapy. Resources available in Punjabi, Chinese and Korean.
Each Mind Matters https://emmresourcecenter.org/resources?search_api_fulltext=&field_target_audience%5B25%5D=25
Created by the California Mental Health Service Authority, the website provides prevention and early intervention resources in multiple languages.

Cecilia works in the non-profit field, specializing in building relationships and sharing stories of impact. She is also the voice of her lifestyle blog, Hues That Girl. Her favorite tea is matcha (and prefers it hot).

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Mental health support for the Asian Canadian community and beyond

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It is not easy to share feelings. It can sometimes be even harder when you live in an Asian household. However, the absence of these conversations is deterring individuals from seeking help. Across the world, one in four individuals will experience a mental health issue at any given year.

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Black CAP works to create culturally relevant outreach, prevention and support services for people infected with, affected by, or at risk of contracting HIV.

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During this period of crisis (COVID-19), though Black CAP's physical offices remain closed to the public, our programs and services by the health promotion and support department still continue to be offered to the public through modified bases such as phone, social media as well as audio/video conferencing and other means. See below for details on programs and services:

We are providing weekly check-ins with our group participants via social media, text messages and phone calls.

We are conducting bi-weekly group sessions for our MSM Outreach and Trans Women Drop-ins programs.

We are continuously posting COVID-19 updates and referral information about other programs and services (especially mental health and crisis supports).

While our Harm Reduction street outreach is currently on hold, we will provide safer drug use kits on a call-in and drop-off basis.

For any information regarding health promotion, please email a.muhaari@black-cap.com for more information.

For Support Services:
Our Support Coordinators are working remotely and continue to provide one-to-one support to our community members. If you are in need of any of the following services, please reach out to us by the number provided or provide call back information for us to reach out to you:

We are providing assistance and advocacy support as needed.
We are also providing online group sessions to engage PHAs who attend our monthly groups
For Support please Call 437.229.7963 , or for additional info, email e.akan-essien@black-cap.com

Please stay connected to our website ( www.blackcap.ca) and social media accounts (@blackcapto) for more information about updates of our services, and/or referals to other community resources and support. As always, stay safe. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Your wellbeing matters to us.

Regards,
The Black CAP team
Follow us on our social media accounts:

Stay connected for more updates on social media:

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Because All Black People's Lives Are Important

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During this period of crisis (COVID-19), though Black CAP's physical offices remain closed to the public, our programs and services by the health promotion and support department still continue to be offered to the public through modified bases such as phone, social media as well as audio/video conferencing and other means.

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Bystander intervention strategies

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Safe and positive options to prevent harm or intervene when there is a risk of sexual misconduct

There are hundreds of little comments, harassments, and other forms of abuse that can lead up to a sexually violent act. Think of any event as being on a continuum of behaviours that demand interventions at each step. At one end of the spectrum are healthy, respectful, and safe behaviours. At the other end of the spectrum are sexual assault and other violent behaviours. If we limit our interventions to a culminating "event," we miss multiple opportunities to do something or say something before a behaviour or a situation escalates and moves to the right along the spectrum.

Always remember that you are not intervening because you are a hero, or because you're being chivalrous, or because you want to be patted on the back. You are intervening because it is the right thing to do, because it is expected of all CAF members, and it is a meaningful way to do your part in ending harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour.

The following list of intervention strategies is by no means exhaustive. Use your judgment, common sense and consider your own strengths and weaknesses.

Strategy

Name or acknowledge an example of inappropriate sexual behaviour, and open a dialogue for discussion

Name or identify inappropriate behaviour so it isn't just glossed over or ignored.

Publicly support a victimized person

Help someone who has been the target of harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour, and/or prevent further injury or offense.

Use body language to show disapproval

Refuse to join in when derogatory, degrading, abusive, and violent attitudes or behaviours are being displayed. Crossing arms, looking away, or facial expressions are all examples of this.

Interrupt the behaviour

Intervention may be direct and obvious, such as stating directly to the offending person that the behaviour is unacceptable. Intervention can also be via subterfuge, such as interrupting an argument to ask for directions.

Use humour (with care)

If you are witty, this may fit with your style. Be careful, not to be so witty that you end up mocking or making light of your own feelings or reactions.

Funny doesn't mean unimportant.

Talk privately with the person who acted inappropriately

Give clear feedback and express your opinion calmly and privately.

Talk privately with the person who is the target of the perpetrator

Express your opinion calmly and offer your support.

Ask for help directly or indirectly

Make sure that something is done, while acknowledging that you do not have the skill or capacity to handle it. You can talk with your immediate supervisor, to the aggressor's immediate supervisor, to your unit harassment advisor, to the RSM, or to the CO, for example.

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Bystander intervention strategies - Canada.ca

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Safe and positive options to prevent harm or intervene when there is a risk of sexual misconduct There are hundreds of little comments, harassments, and other forms of abuse that can lead up to a sexually violent act. Think of any event as being on a continuum of behaviours that demand interventions at each step.