Q&A
BROOKE LYNN HYTES: Journey to Self-Discovery & Community Advocacy
Brooke Lynn Hytes shares her journey of self-discovery through ballet and drag, advocating for 2SLGBTQ+ rights and mental health.
Can you share with us your personal journey in discovering and embracing your identity within the 2SLGBTQ+ community?
I grew up in a very religious family so the process was interesting. Haha. Really the intersection of Ballet and Drag are what got me to the place I am at today. Both art forms allowed me to really delve into the person I was going to become and gave me the confidence to live my life authentically.
Did you ever endure mental health struggles while growing up as a member of the community? What advice would you give to those who are struggling to embrace their identity within the 2SLGBTQ+ community?
Therapy. That is my number one piece of advice.
Everyone can
use some “me time” to work through our personal journey toward finding themselves. I have always been very vocal about my struggles with mental health and am a huge advocate of always keeping the conversation going with friends, family, and a good licensed therapist.
As prominent figure in the drag community, how do you see the role of drag in promoting empowerment and visibility for the 2SLGBTQ+ community?
Drag is more important than ever before. With the evolution of a show like RuPaul’s Drag Race, a lot more people, like myself, have been given much larger and more influential platforms. The members of our community that came before us fought for the rights and visibility we enjoy now, and we need to continue to fight for
what they accomplished.
In what ways do you use your platform to advocate for the rights and well-being of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, both within and outside of the entertainment industry?
I realize that I have a platform and a voice that is heard by a larger audience than most. I love to share important stories of members of my community on my platform and encourage my follower to use their voices, get involved, and most importantly – vote. I also love to work with charities that support my community like the 519, Casey House, and Rainbow Railroad.
Need Help? Find a Safe Space That Meets Your Needs
Every person should feel seen, heard, and respected when reaching out for help. Just like every other sector of society, the 2SLGBTQI+ community requires access to care that distinct ively pertains to them. Supports and services need to take their individual istic challenges and experiences into account so that they can provide the best care possible.
There’s a need for specific and appropriate care for members of Ontario’s 2SLGBTQI+ community. ConnexOntario knows this firsthand — in 2023, it received 416 contacts, made 1,585 referrals for those who identified as 2SLGBTQI+, and made 226 referrals for queer-specialized services.
A province-wide informa tion source that’s available 24/7, ConnexOntario is committed to making services for mental health and addictions support available to people who need it — in a way that’s best suited to their unique situation.
Queer-friendly options
helpful. The organization works diligently to represent these core values and grow as a network. That way, it can be equipped to foster diversity and amplify inclusiveness within
With an intentional focus on inclusivity, ConnexOntario lists services and supports for folks within the 2SLGBTQI+ community that are affirming, positive, welcoming, and
every pocket of society, and to offer solid support to all marginalized communities. ConnexOntario is especially excited to be participating in this summer’s Pride Parade in London, Ont.
ConnexOntario is a trusted network where people can get access to resources to help with mental
health, problem gambling, or substance use that’s specifically for 2SLGBTQI+ communities. It also provides access to supports for transgender and non-binary folks. Some programs include gender-affirming health clinics, counselling therapy, sexual assault help, trans peer outreach, two-spirit programs, substance use recovery, and so much more. It also has a partnership with LGBT YouthLine in Toronto.
Discovering close-by services
These programs are available across the province, in urban and rural regions alike — spanning across Waterloo, Wellington, Southeastern Ontario, North Simcoe Muskoka, Northeastern Ontario, and Central West Ontario. Accessible by phone, text, chat, or email, people can be connected to resources that are located within their area or as close to it as possible.
It’s imperative that mental health resources like ConnexOntario understand the unique needs of these communities. It wants 2SLGBTQI+ folks to know they’re loved and appreciated, and that they can reach out for help when, where, and how they need it.
Connex Ontario continues to make specific and appropriate care accessible to the 2SLGBTQI+ community throughout the province.
Katherine Cappellacci