In light of the recent and alarmingly numerous homophobic bullying-related suicides in North America, members of the Vancouver fashion industry are hoping to bring local awareness and a show of solidarity by holding a runway show and fundraiser for Out in Schools.
Out in Schools is an organization that is dedicated to working with schools to breakdown stereotypes about homosexuality, eliminate homophobia, and make schools a safe haven for youth by engaging students and faculty to rally around a relevant and important cause.
Research studies indicate that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth suicide attempts are four times that of heterosexual youth. Not only is there a need but a real demand for the program, stresses Ross Johnstone, Director of Youth Education at Out in Schools. We get teachers and educators from all over the province requesting that we come to their schools to help implement our anti-bullying programs.
The fundraiser, punningly titled Fashion’s Night OUT! is the Vancouver fashion community’s response in fighting homophobia by raising funds and awareness for Out in Schools. The fashion and LGBT communities have long been strong supporters of each other, so the event collaboration was a natural fit.
Guests of Fashion’s Night OUT! will be treated to a one-off fashion show put on by The Hudson Bay Company’s celebrated and critically successful White Space in Yaletown’s V Lounge on March 8, 2011 along with a cocktail reception, stunning silent auction, live DJ, and exclusive gift bags. The event will include a fashion show and a short video presentation. Two hundred tickets will be sold with 100% of the proceeds going to Out in Schools.
Pricing: $20 with all proceeds going to Out in Schools
Tickets: Available for purchase online at fnovancouver.eventbrite.com
