Starting in January 2004, youth were recruited from the existing programs of Supporting Our Youth (SOY) particularly from a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) newcomer and/or immigrant social youth group called EXPRESS. Seven youth, between the ages of 18-24yrs became Rock the Boat. All of the youth immigrated within last five years from Indonesia, the Caribbean, Ethiopia, Egypt and Pakistan.

The group identified issues that related to their migration experience: being gay, lesbian or bisexual, being young, challenges of culture and homosexuality, experiences of racism in gay mainstream and society at large, isolation, awareness and acceptance of own communities and the need to bring communities together.

From these issues, the group determined their project objective: to create a website that would educate LGBTQ youth about the social, fun and entertaining side to living in Toronto, Canada, as well as give support and provide resources to legal and social services. The site is now available at www.rocktheboat.ca. The youth identified that resources were important so that LGBTQ newcomer youth and youth who live outside Canada have a place to connect online, share multimedia arts, accurate immigration information, services and social places in Toronto. They also stated strongly that the use of their website could be an activist tool to support and mobilize young people.

The name Rock the Boat came from a play on the term Fresh Off The Boat, which is a slang insult applied to newcomers to English speaking countries. The comment implies that these newcomers are ignorant about the complexities of life in a modern city. Therefore, Rock the Boat implies an active, engaged newcomer who is not going to conform to this stereotype and will rebel strongly against it

Although funding has ended for this initiative the youth have decided to incorporate the maintenance of the website into the EXPRESS drop-in social group. Other members of EXPRESS have indicated an interest and thus there is the potential of having larger group contribute materials and the Rock the Boat youth will experience some peer leadership in knowledge exchange.

For more information on how to get involved with EXPRESS, check out: www.soytoronto.org

Supporting Our Youth (SOY) is a dynamic community development project designed to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgendered youth in Toronto through the active involvement of youth and adult communities. We work to create healthy arts, culture and recreational spaces for young people; to provide supportive housing and employment opportunities; and to increase youth access to adult mentoring and support.