PRIDE Safety, Substance Use Tips & Consent Reminders

Jun 19th, 2023

Student Wellness Services PRIDE Mental Health, Safety & Substance Use Tips + Consent Reminders

Planning on celebrating PRIDE this year? Check out the resources and tips below to ensure a safe and fun experience.  

General Tips and Reminders to Have a Better Experience: 

Before you leave the house: 

  • Plan a safe route home: Check out the Ride with Pride on GO Transit! &  TTC Pride Month Schedule, write the number to a local cab company on your hand, keep your phone charged so you can call a cab or order an Uber, and/or look up directions. 
  • Eat something filling to start the day: This is especially important before you begin drinking.  
  • Pack snacks and water in your bag 
  • Only consume what you bought or brought. View Substance Use Tips 
  • Don't forget to charge your phone or pack a charger in your bag!  

While you’re out: 

  • Have water or other non-alcoholic drinks in between consuming alcohol. Bring an water bottle with you to keep filling up!  
  • Stick with your friends and look out for each other: Share your locations using Google Maps or SnapMaps to keep track of one another if you separate.  
  • Don’t share drinks, joints or equipment: Only consume what you bought or brought.  
  • Try and stick to using one substance at a time 

Party Tips & Alternatives: 

It's okay if the party scene isn't for you. You might not be in the mood to drink, use other substances, or be in large crowds. Maybe partying isn't your thing, or you're anxious being around so many people. Maybe you're choosing not to use substances or your bank account can't handle another night out. Whatever your reasoning, it's okay to make another choice.  

Fun Alternatives to Going Out: 

  • Opt for a smaller gathering; grab a couple of friends to cook dinner together and bake a fun pride-themed dessert or mocktail.   
  • Have a pride-themed movie night. 
  • Check out a board game cafe downtown, or get your friends together at home. 

Safer Substance Use Tips: 

If you choose to drink or use substances, there are things you can do to have a safer time. 

For all substances, make a plan! 

  • Where are you going and how are you going to get there AND home? 
  • If you're not going home, where are you sleeping? 
  • What substances are you using? Remember, it’s best not to mix! 
  • How much are you using? 
  • At what time do you want to stop? 

Drinking alcohol? Tips for a better tonight & tomorrow: 

  • Eat something before you start drinking 
  • Plan a safe route home: Check out the Ride with Pride on GO Transit! &  TTC Pride Month Schedule, write the number to a local cab company on your hand and keep your phone charged so you can call a cab or order an Uber, and/or look up directions. 
  • Charge your phone 

While you're out: 

  • Drink water or something non-alcoholic between alcoholic drinks 
  • Stick to the drinks that you have bought or brought. Check out the Drink Spiking 101 Resource for more information about how to intervene if you see someone’s drink being spiked and where to seek support should someone’s drink be spiked. 
  • Drink slowly – Have no more than 2 drinks in any 3 hours 
  • Stick with your group and look out for each other 
  • It’s also okay to not be into drinking or using other substances 

If you’re planning on drinking a lot: 

  • Drink with a friend in a safe place 
  • Stick to one substance at a time 

Safer cannabis use tips: 

  • Don’t hold your breath! 
  • If you’re smoking, use joints over water bongs 
  • Look for higher CBD to THC ratios 
  • Take it slow! See how a little bit affects you before using more 

Consent Reminders: 

At pride and beyond, understanding consent and respecting each other’s boundaries is essential at all times. Consent requires communication & checking in to ensure that everyone is comfortable & safe. 

Remember to always ask before: 

  • Touching someone's hair, clothing, or accessories. 
  • Engaging in any sexual activity. Remember that everyone experiences sexuality in different ways and pride is about honouring and celebrating our choices to engage (or not) in relationships and sexuality on our own terms. 
  • Taking or posting a photo of or with someone. 
  • Inviting someone to drink alcohol or use substances. 

For a quick reference guide to key points about consent, remember that it is always I'M SAFE: 

  • INFORMED: There needs to be a clear and honest understanding of what someone consents to. 
  • MOMENT-TO-MOMENT: Consent is an ongoing process. People can change their minds, want to stop and withdraw consent anytime. 
  • SPECIFIC: To a certain act and at any given time. Just because someone gave consent before, doesn't mean they consent now. 
  • AWAKE AND AWARE: Consent cannot be given if someone is unconscious, asleep, excessively intoxicated, or incapacitated. 
  • FREELY GIVEN: Consent cannot be given if you have power or control over another person or if you turn someone’s “no” into a “yes” through guilt, manipulation or pressure. 
  • ENTHUSIASTIC: This means it’s clear, active, engaged, ongoing and unmistakable. 

Need support? We're here for you! 

If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual or gender-based violence, you can connect with our Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Coordinator at 519-824-4120 X53020 or email svinfo@uoguelph.ca 

*seeking support and/or disclosing does not require you to report. You get to choose whatever support options are best for you! 

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Coordinator at the University of Guelph: svinfo@uoguelph.ca / 519-824- 4120 x53020 / M-F 8:30am-4:30pm 

Guelph-Wellington Women In Crisis: 1-800-265-7233 (24-hour crisis line for all genders) 

Guelph General Hospital Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Care Centre: 8:30am to 4:30pm 519-837-6440 x2728 / After business hours: x 2210 

Beyond the Parade: Getting Involved & Mental Health During Pride Month

While Pride festivals across the province recognize Ontario’s vibrant and creative LGBTQ2IA+ communities, it’s important to note that these individuals continue to face specific mental health issues and barriers for accessing supports. 

LGBTQ2IA+ people face higher risks for some mental health issues due to the effects of discrimination and the social determinants of health. This includes issues in finding safe, secure housing, appropriate health care, or a supportive work environment, particularly for transgender individuals and with people who identify as LGBTQ2IA+ and have other intersectionalities. 

Additional factors that may impact mental health and well-being for LGBTQ2IA+ people include the process of “coming out” (sharing one’s sexual or gender identity with others), gender transition, internalized oppression, isolation and alienation and loss of family or social supports. LGBTQ2IA+ people may also experience other forms of marginalization – such as racism, sexism, poverty or other factors – alongside homophobia or transphobia that negatively impact on mental health. 

Mental health support and resources for LGBTQ2IA+ communities: 

  • Visit the Rainbow Health Ontario website 
  • LGBT Youth Lifeline: 1-800-268-9688 or text 647-694-4275. Sunday to Friday, 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ET. This lifeline offers confidential and non-judgmental peer support through telephone, text and chat services. 
  • Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366. Run by and for the trans community, this organization offers direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. 
  • YMCA of Three Rivers: 2SLGBTQ+ youth program for ages 13 – 18. Provides a safe, welcoming and inclusive space. 

On-campus Supports: 

  • Student Wellness provides a wide range of services to support health, well-being, and accessibility. The team comprises professional staff and students, including members of the LGBTQ2IA+ community at every level of involvement. 

The unique experiences, needs, and perspectives of LGBTQ2IA+ students are integrated into mental health services, supports for survivors of trauma, wellness education, primary health care (doctors, nurses, and other health professions), and academic accessibility. This includes recognition of how experiences of discrimination and inequity can affect health and wellbeing. 

Student Wellness is sensitive to many issues relating to sexuality, identity, and relationships. Within Student Wellness, Health Services can provide support for hormone replacement therapy, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). 

Community Resources: 

  • ARCH Guelph: ARCH provides anti-oppressive, sex-positive, inclusive care, treatment and prevention services in the area of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted blood-borne infections through innovative health promotion strategies and community engagement. (Facebook, Instagram, Website) 
  • Out On the Shelf: A community group that offers great events to meet other LGBTQ+ people in the Guelph community. (Facebook, Instagram, Website) 

This Pride Season, show your support and get involved! 

  • Connect with LGBTQ2IA+ loved ones, neighbours, and friends and get to know the LGBTQ2IA+ seniors in your life. 
  • Support LGBTQ2IA+-owned businesses and consider donating to or volunteering with an LGBTQ2IA+ organization 
  • Stay up to date on the Government of Canada’s work to promote equality for LGBTQ2IA+ communities by visiting the 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat 

 

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