Preventing and Reducing Harms Associated with Polysubstance Use among Gender & Sexually Diverse Young Adults through Public Education
The Students Commission of Canada (SCC) was contracted by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to develop a series of public education products designed to support sexually and gender diverse young adults in making informed, evidence-based decisions when it comes to polysubstance use (using multiples substances in the same period). These products were informed by a literature review and public consultations.
Download and use the various products presented here to share this knowledge with youth and young adults across the country.
Key Considerations for this Project
Cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM): Acknowledging the health behaviours and risk factors unique to this group and addressing the specific challenges they encounter.
Trans and non-binary individuals: Recognizing the marginalization and systemic inequities they may face, with messaging that reflects their identities and promotes inclusivity.
2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults in rural or remote areas: Considering the additional challenges of geographic isolation, limited access to resources, and social support in remote areas.
These groups were selected due to their unique relationships to substance use and our existing connections that support meaningful engagement. Through ongoing consultation, we have tailored messages that are trauma-informed, non-stigmatizing, and relevant—supporting informed, harm-reduction-based decision-making within each community.
What are the products?
Social media assets for each priority audience, featuring three unique harm reduction messages per group
Posters for each priority audience, featuring three unique harm reduction messages per group
An interactive zine offering practical tools and techniques for all audiences to support safe(r) partying
Each product is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and relevant to the lived experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults.
Social Media Assets
Join us and spread the word!
Use this toolkit to help share awareness, spark conversations, and support youth and young adults with practical information. Below, you will find the social media assets for each audience that you can download with accompanying captions.
To keep the campaign consistent and respectful of the youth and young adults' voices that shaped it, please do not change the wording of the key messages or captions.
Use the hashtag #BeforeYouMix and tag us so we can amplify your post and build momentum together!
Posters
Zine
This zine was created by and for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults as a creative, personal, and accessible way to share harm reduction messages. Zines are a popular and trusted format in queer communities, offering a mix of art, storytelling, and information. Print a copy for yourself or to distribute at events, clinics, and community spaces—or share digitally to spark conversations.
Resources
National Resources
Atlantic Canada
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
New Brunswick
Ontario
Northern Canada
Yukon
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
Prairies
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Alberta