What word comes to mind when celebrating GTBG’s 8th anniversary as an organization?

“As we celebrate our 8th Anniversary, the word that stands out is ‘Hope.’ It’s this hope that keeps us going, pushing us to continue working for the change we want to see. For me, hope means staying positive and believing that GTBG will keep making a difference, as we have consistently shown over the years. This shared hope for a better future drives us to keep growing, improving, and making an impact.”

What drew you to working in the field of community and support work?

“Since I was young, I’ve actively engaged in my own community. I’ve always been present. My interest in social work started in high school, where I was drawn to the complexity of different cases. Hearing my mom and aunt, both social workers, share their experiences inspired me to pursue this career. Their influence has shaped my path. I want a job where I feel valued and can see the real impact of my work. I enjoy listening to people’s stories and creating a safe space for those in need.”

What are some of your main daily responsibilities at GTBG?

“At GTBG, my daily responsibilities involve managing client communications, such as responding to emails related to onboarding or applications to our programs, offering assistance, and sharing resources. I engage directly with the community by addressing concerns, building relationships, and connecting individuals with the appropriate services or programs. I also collaborate with other organizations to find solutions to community issues.”

What key principle, framework, or trait do you apply when working with community members to ensure their safety and dignity?

“The key principle I use to ensure safety and dignity for community members is Non-Discrimination and Diversity of Perspectives. These two concepts work hand in hand to create a supportive environment for those who reach out at GTBG. Ensuring fairness and equality in every interaction is essential, and also incorporating diverse viewpoints, especially from those who are often overlooked helps deepen my understanding and improve my work at GTBG.”

How does our team ensure a trauma-informed, intersectional, community-oriented approach in the Peer Support Services program?

“Our team uses several important strategies, but I want to share two that are especially meaningful. Choice and Control and Continuous Education we believe in giving people choices about their support services and respecting their decisions about their own recovery. This way, individuals can feel more in control and involved in their journey. We’re committed to ongoing learning. We do attend training regularly on trauma-informed care, which helps us understand and respond to trauma better. We make sure our training stays current with the latest research and best practices.”

What energises you most about the work of gender equality and leading programs that support women?

“One aspect that energizes me about working in gender equality and supporting women is the Creation of safe spaces, like our Peer Support Services and Empowering Care Program. In a world where women and gender diverse folks often have limited opportunities to voice their experiences, establishing these spaces is crucial for personal growth, community building, and empowerment. One of my work is to foster environments where women feel secure enough to freely share their thoughts and experiences.”
  

Describe the GTBG community in five words.
Inspiring, Resilient, Supportive, Courageous, and Empathetic is what the GTBG community is all about. The community consists of people who inspire and show resilience, facing challenges with strength and recovering from setbacks. They are always supportive, willing to help and uplift each other. Most importantly, they are empathetic, offering deep understanding and care. This creates a positive and encouraging environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.”